China has appointed new Ambassadors to Portugal, Mozambique and East Timor, Chinese official news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday.

The appointments by Chinese President Xi Jinping came upon approval by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Xinhua stated.

Cai Run was appointed China’s Ambassador to Portugal. According to Portuguese news agency Lusa, Mr Run is a high-level official who has previously headed the Department of Political Planning of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Run, who is replacing Huang Songfu, is 48 years old and is a Law expert. His diplomatic experience includes being stationed in China’s Embassy in Washington as political counsellor.

Su Jian was appointed Ambassador to Mozambique. Mr Su is replacing Li Chunhua.

Mr Xi also made changes in China’s embassy in East Timor. Liu Hongyang was appointed Ambassador to East Timor, replacing Tian Guangfeng.

Mr Xi appointed four other Ambassadors on Thursday, namely to Myanmar, Moldova, Latvia and Peru.