The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress overwhelmingly passed Wu's appointment with 137 approvals, one objection and 10 abstentions.

The 64-year-old vice premier has been reputed for her "swift and resolute" working style when serving as head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Premier Wen Jiabao proposed the replacement to the NPC Standing Committee.

The appointment of Wu to lead the fight against the widespread of SARS epidemic "demonstrates the central authorities' resolute determination to effectively contain the highly contagious disease that grips the nation," said Han Qide, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and a top medical expert.

"Madam Wu's role as Vice Premier and Minister of Health will surely put her at a better position to coordinate the use of resources from different departments and regions," Han said.

Wu has been in China's petroleum industry for 20 years since she was 24, and served as Vice Minister, and later Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation since 1991. After elected State Councilor in 1998, Wu has led China's trade talks for its entry to the World Trade Organization and its successful crackdowns on smuggle and piracy.

She was elected Vice Premier in March this year.

"We are confident that China will win the hard battle against the epidemic," Wu said Friday in her report to the legislature detailing the government efforts to contain the disease.

Zhang's resignation was also accepted by a separate vote.

(Xinhua News Agency, April 27, 2003)