The State Council announced a reshuffle of senior government officials on Dec 18.

Zheng Zeguang was named vice-foreign minister, replacing Cheng Guoping.

Yin Hejun and Xu Nanping will replace Zhang Laiwu and Cao Jianlin as vice-ministers of science and technology. Yin Hejun is no longer deputy head of the Chinese Academy of Science.

The State Council appointed Liu Zhenyu vice-minister of justice, while relieving Zhang Sujun, Hao Chiyong and Zhang Yanzhen from the post.

Zhou Laizhen was removed from the post of deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Niu Qingbao will replace Dong Xiaojun as China’s permanent representative to the International Seabed Authority.

The State Council also named Li Huilai, Kong Xuanyou and Liu Haixing assistant ministers of foreign affairs, and Yu Qun assistant minister of culture. Meanwhile, Liu Yuejin was relieved from the post of assistant minister of public security.