XL Group plc’s new property and casualty subsidiary in Shanghai, China, opened for business last Friday.XL Insurance (China) Company Ltd offers products and services in Property, Casualty, Specialty and Professional Lines and is led by Zheqiang (Al) Xie, as chairman and CEO of the subsidiary.Mike McGavick, XL’s chief executive officer, during the opening ceremony, said: “This is a significant step in the implementation of XL’s strategy to strengthen its presence in emerging markets.“I am delighted to be here in China to open our insurance operation and personally thank the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) and the Shanghai government for their support in getting us to this day. We are excited to become part of the Shanghai insurance market and to contribute our know-how to the further development of the Chinese economy.”Mr Xie brings 20 years’ experience in the Chinese insurance industry, having started his career with the People’s Insurance Company of China (PICC) in Beijing. In 1995 he was seconded to London to work in the PICC’s UK subsidiary.Prior to joining XL Insurance, he held several management roles with Lloyd’s in China, including setting up the Lloyd’s representation in China and establishing Lloyd’s full reinsurance operation, launched in Shanghai in 2007.