April 1, 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the appointment of four new ambassadors in accordance with a decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Sun Guoxiang was appointed Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, replacing Jiang Qinzheng.

Deng Shaoqin was appointed ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman,replacing Zhao Xuechang.

Ma Enhan was appointed ambassador to Portugal, replacing Lu Boyuan.

Ke Xiaogang was appointed ambassador to Argentina, replacing Zhang Shaying.