China Miéville joined the Far Eastern Consular Service in 1919 as a
student interpreter of
Chinese. From 1920 to 1927, he served as a
private secretary and local
vice-consul to successive British Ministers in
Peking. Following the
abdication of Edward VIII, he continued his service to the now-
George VI until 1945. He resigned his position that year in favour of the private sector. He was elected to serve in various directorships, including as director of
Westminster Bank.
Return to India In the spring of 1947,
Lord Mountbatten requested Miéville return to India along with
General Ismay to assist him during the crucial period leading up to the
independence of India. Miéville reportedly did not hesitate, and left England in April 1947 to serve as private secretary to Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, and as such played a minor role in the preparations of the
partition of India in August. He was promoted to a Knight Grand Commander of the
Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE) in 1947, becoming one of the final recipients of the order. ==Personal and later life==