BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed three new ambassadors, upon approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, according to a statement by the national legislature Friday.

Zhang Lizhong was appointed ambassador to the Maldives, replacing Wang Fukang.

Lyu Jian was appointed ambassador to Thailand, replacing Ning Fukui.

Li Changlin was appointed ambassador to Burundi, replacing Zhuo Ruisheng.