The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment of several senior officials Friday.

Xiang Zhaolun was appointed deputy secretary-general of the State Council.

Xie Zhenhua, former head of the country's top environmental watchdog, was appointed deputy chief of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Song Lan, female, was appointed vice director of the State Administration of Taxation.

Zhou Jian and Li Ganjie were appointed vice ministers in charge of the State Environmental Protection Administration.

You Quan was appointed chairman of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, replacing Chai Songyue.

The State Council also removed Chen Jinyu and You Quan from the post of deputy secretary-general of the State Council, Mou Benli from the post of vice director of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.

Cui Junhui and Xu Shanda are no longer vice director of the State Administration of Taxation. Zhu Guangyao and Wang Yuqing were removed from the post of vice minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration.

Xie Zhongyu was removed from the post of chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Key Large-Sized State-Owned Enterprises.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2007)