The State Council, or the central government of China, appointed here Tuesday two senior officials of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in accordance with the Basic Law of the region.

Joseph Wong was appointed head of the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau, replacing John C Tsang; and Denise Yue Chung-yee appointed head of the Civil Service Bureau, replacing Joseph Wong.

The appointments were made based on the nominations and proposals by Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen, the Hong Kong SAR chief executive.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2006)