China appoints new nuclear watchdog chief

BEIJING -- The State Council, China's cabinet, has appointed Xu Dazhe head of the Atomic Energy Authority, it announced on Thursday.

Xu, replacing Ma Xingrui, is also named the head of the National Space Administration and the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, in charge of lunar missions and space exploration. Xu is also appointed the vice minister of industry and information technology.

Zhang Yi has replaced Jiang Jiemin as head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Jiang was removed from his post in September during investigation of disciplinary violations

Liu Yongfu becomes director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, replacing Fan Xiaojian.

Xu Jie, who was investigated for suspected disciplinary violations last month, was dismissed from the post of deputy chief of the State Bureau for Letters and Calls.

The State Council has also removed Hou Kai, deputy head of the National Audit Office, from his post.