Chinese President Hu Jintao appointed new ambassadors to four countries and the United Nations on Monday, in accordance with a decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Ma Keqing was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Finland, replacing Zhang Zhijian.

Shi Longzhuang was appointed to the Independent State of Samoa, replacing Liu Guanren.

Li Zhiguo takes up the post in Bahrain, replacing Wu Congyong.

Huo Yuzhen takes up the post in the Czech Republic, replacing Tang Guoqiang.

Tang Guoqiang was appointed permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in Vienna and other international organizations, replacing Wu Hailong.

Liu Zhenmin was appointed deputy permanent representative and ambassador to UN, replacing Zhang Yishan.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2006)