BEIJING, Feb. 24 -- Li Dongsheng, former vice minister of public security, has been formally removed from office, according to an announcement by the State Council, China's cabinet, on Monday.

Li was put under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary and law violations last December.

The State Council also announced a number of appointments and removals of government officials.

Zhang Yanzhen was appointed vice minister of justice.

Wang Changshun was appointed vice minister of transport, replacing Gao Hongfeng.

Fu Kui becomes deputy head of the National Bureau of Corruption Prevention, replacing Cui Hairong.

Moreover, Zhai Jun will no longer hold his post as vice foreign minister, and Xu Lingyi, deputy head of State Bureau for Letters and Calls, has also been removed from his post.