BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed 16 new ambassadors to foreign countries and international organizations, according to a statement issued by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Thursday.

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

Zhai Jun has been appointed ambassador to France, replacing Kong Quan.

Yang Yanyi has been appointed ambassador to the European Union, replacing Wu Hailong.

Wu Hailong has been appointed ambassador to Switzerland and representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, replacing Liu Zhenmin.

Huang Huikang has been appointed ambassador to Malaysia, replacing Chai Xi.

Wang Fukang has been appointed ambassador to Maldives, replacing Yu Hongyao.

Wang Yong has been appointed ambassador to Iraq, replacing Ni Jian.

Gao Yusheng has been appointed ambassador to Jordan, replacing Yue Xiaoyong.

Zhao Yanbo has been appointed ambassador to Sierra Leone, replacing Kuang Weilin.

Liu Yuxi has been appointed ambassador to Togo, replacing Wang Zuofeng.

Cui Qiming has been appointed ambassador to Belarus, replacing Gong Jianwei.

Deng Ying has been appointed ambassador to Croatia, replacing Shen Zhifei.

Zou Xiaoli has been appointed ambassador to Greece, replacing Du Qiwen.

Huang Huaguang has been appointed ambassador to Tonga, replacing Wang Donghua.

Yuan Guisen has been appointed ambassador to Bahamas, replacing Hu Shan.

Wang Ke has been appointed ambassador to Barbados, replacing Xu Hong.

Li Jiangning has been appointed ambassador to Dominica, replacing Wang Zonglai.