BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao appointed seven new ambassadors to foreign countries, according to a statement from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Sunday.

Hu made the appointments in line with the decisions made by the Standing Committee of the NPC, China's top legislature.

Li Jinzhang was appointed ambassador to Brazil, replacing Qiu Xiaoqi.

Tian Guangfeng was appointed ambassador to East Timor, replacing Fu Yuancong.

Ma Keqing was appointed ambassador to the Philippines, replacing Liu Jianchao.

Gong Jianwei was appointed ambassador to Belarus, replacing Lu Guicheng.

Hong Jiuyin was appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, replacing Zhang Yannian.

Liu Zengwen was appointed ambassador to Lithuania, replacing Tong Mingtao, who was appointed ambassador to Moldova to replace Fang Li.