BEIJING, Dec. 31 -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced on Tuesday its decision to appoint Chan Tsz-tat as the Commissioner of Customs and Excise of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), replacing Louise Ho Pui-shan.

The decision was made in line with the HKSAR Basic Law and based on the nomination and suggestion of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, according to an official statement.