Vatican, China set to renew deal on long path to diplomatic ties

The Vatican is close to renewing a historic agreement with China on the appointment of bishops in the country, as the two states inch toward restoring diplomatic relations after almost 70 years.
 

The accord, first signed in September 2018, is due to be rolled over, possibly for another two years in the coming weeks, according to two people familiar with the matter who declined to be named discussing confidential talks.
 

A Vatican spokesman declined to comment.
 

Relations between the Vatican and China were broken off in 1951 and reaching a settlement with the Communist Party has proved elusive, especially as