BEIJING -- The State Council announced the appointment and removal of several senior officials Thursday.

Sun Shaocheng was removed from the post of vice minister of civil affairs and was appointed vice minister of land and resources.

Wang Bingnan was named vice minister of commerce, with Fang Aiqing removed from the post.

Hou Jianguo was appointed vice director of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Du Zhaocai was appointed assistant director of General Administration of Sports.

Li Xiaohong will no longer perform as vice minister of education.

Dai Bohua was removed from the post of assistant minister of finance.

Yang Jiacai was removed from the post of assistant chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission.