China's State Council, or the Cabinet, appointed nine senior officials on Wednesday.

Zhong Shan, former vice-governor of eastern Zhejiang Province, was appointed Vice-Minister of Commerce, replacing Yu Guangzhou.

Ding Zhongchi was appointed chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Key State-Owned Financial Organizations, replacing Zhu Yuanliang.

Chen Xi was appointed Vice-Minister of Education, Ouyang Jian and Wang Wenzhang vice ministers of Culture, Wang Songhe and Lu Peijun deputy ministers of the General Administration of Customs.

Jiang Jianguo was appointed deputy minister of the General Administration of Press and Publications, and Tian Xuebin deputy director of the Research Office of the State Council.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xinmiao was removed from the post of Vice-Minister of Culture and Gong Zheng was removed from the post of deputy head of the General Administration of Customs.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2008)