Chinese President Hu Jintao has formally appointed five new ambassadors to foreign countries, according to a statement from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday.

Hu made the appointments in line with decisions made by the NPC Standing Committee.

Wang Leyou was appointed ambassador to Comoros, replacing Tao Weiguang.

Bu Jianguo was appointed ambassador to Laos, replacing Pan Guangxue.

Pan Guangxue was appointed ambassador to Cambodia, replacing Zhang Jinfeng.

Tian Changchun was appointed ambassador to Armenia, replacing Hong Jiuyin.

Zhang Xinsen was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Korea.