BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has appointed eight new ambassadors in accordance with a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, according to a statement by the national legislature Monday.

Hong Xiaoyong was appointed China's ambassador to Singapore, replacing Chen Xiaodong.

Chen Dong was appointed ambassador to the Central African Republic, replacing Ma Fulin.

Peng Jingtao was appointed ambassador to Benin, replacing Diao Mingsheng.

Fu Jijun was appointed ambassador to Liberia, replacing Zhang Yue.

Liu Guangyuan was appointed ambassador to Poland, replacing Xu Jian.

Wu Xi was appointed ambassador to New Zealand and the Cook Islands, as well as ambassador to the Island of Niue, replacing Wang Lutong.

Tian Qi was appointed ambassador to Jamaica, replacing Niu Qingbao.

Wang Gang was appointed ambassador to Uruguay, replacing Dong Xiaojun.