BEIJING, July 5 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed the following ambassadors in accordance with a decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, according to a statement from China's top legislature on Friday.

Wu Peng was appointed ambassador to South Africa, replacing Chen Xiaodong.

Fang Hong was appointed ambassador to Laos, replacing Jiang Zaidong.

Wang Wenbin was appointed ambassador to Cambodia, replacing Wang Wentian.

Yang Xiaokun was appointed ambassador to Lesotho, replacing Lei Kezhong.

Yan Jiarong was appointed ambassador to the Bahamas, replacing Dai Qingli.

Dai Qingli was appointed ambassador to Bulgaria, replacing Dong Xiaojun.

Wang Xuefeng was appointed ambassador to Denmark, replacing Feng Tie.

Fei Shengchao was appointed ambassador to Belgium, replacing Cao Zhongming.

Wang Di was appointed ambassador to Canada, replacing Cong Peiwu.

Lv Jin was appointed ambassador to Nauru.

Hua Xin was appointed ambassador to Cuba, replacing Ma Hui.

Wang Xiaoyao was appointed ambassador to Costa Rica, replacing Tang Heng.