BEIJING, April 2 -- China's State Council on Thursday announced the appointment and removal of several officials.

Chang Junhong was appointed assistant minister of finance.

Lei Xiaowu was appointed deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics, replacing Sheng Laiyun.

Wang Jianbo was named deputy director of the National Energy Administration.

Yao Laiying was appointed director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, replacing Zhang Jianmin. Yao no longer serves as deputy director of the State Taxation Administration.

Zhao Zenglian was removed from the post of deputy head of the General Administration of Customs.