On July 31, 2012, 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.

Lin Lin was appointed ambassador to Zimbabwe, replacing Xin Shunkang.

Xin Shunkang was appointed ambassador to Namibia, replacing Wei Ruixing.

Yang Xiuping was appointed head of the Chinese Mission to ASEAN and ambassador to ASEAN.

Zhang Lianyun was appointed ambassador to Micronesia, replacing Zhang Weidong.