BEIJING, Jan. 6 -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment of several senior government officials on Wednesday.

Wang Jiangping was appointed deputy head of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

Guo Jun and Wang Xiaoping were named deputy heads of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, while He Yafei was removed from the post.

The State Council appointed Guan Qiang and Liu Shuguang deputy heads of State Administration of Cultural Heritage, and relieved Tong Mingkang from the position.

The State Council statement also said Qiu Xiaoxiong will no longer hold the position of deputy head of the State Administration of Taxation.