Xie Zhenhua, director of China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), has resigned, according to an announcement issued by the State Council, or cabinet, on Friday.

Xie was replaced by Zhou Shengxian, former director of State Forestry Administration.

Xie, born in 1949, is a native of Tianjin. He became chief of SEPA in 1993.

Zhou, also born in 1949, is a native of Wuzhong, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.

The State Council announcement also says that Jia Zhibang, former vice-minister of civil affairs, has been appointed director of the State Forestry Administration.

Source: Xinhua