Liu Jinguo, a senior official in the Public Security Ministry, has been appointed a deputy chief of China's top anti-graft watchdog.

The 18th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China announced the appointment at its fourth plenary meeting in Beijing on Saturday.

Liu, 59, a native of Hebei province, has held a minister-level position as deputy secretary of the Party committee of the Public Security Ministry since February 2014 and ranks third in the ministry. He started his career as the deputy head of the militia in his home village in Hebei province and has worked 22 years in public security departments at all levels.

He replaced Li Yufu as one of eight deputy chiefs in the anti-corruption body. Li has been appointed head of the Party committee of the All China Federation of Trade Unions.

The appointment takes place amid China's ongoing campaign to fight corruption and practice austerity. Liu was praised as a "clean-handed" official when he was elected as one of 10 people "Moving China" in 2011, a title awarded to people who performed heroic deeds or are known for their moral excellence.

In the most recent anti-graft operation in July directed by Liu as the deputy chief of the Public Security Ministry, 230 Chinese economic fugitives in 30 countries, who were suspected of major crimes and fled China, were apprehended.