President Hu Jintao on Tuesday appointed new ambassadors to five countries in accordance with a decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Gao Kexiang was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Portugal, replacing Ma Enhan.

Zhang Ming was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, replacing Guo Chongli.

Guan Xiaosheng takes up the ambassadorial post in Jordan, replacing Luo Xingwu.

Su Ge takes up the post in Surinam, replacing Chen Jinghua.

Chen Jinghua was appointed ambassador to Jamaica, replacing Zhao Zhenyu.

(Xinhua News Agency, September 19, 2006)