BEIJING -?The State Council announced the appointment and removal of several officials in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Monday.

Matthew Cheung Kin-chung was appointed chief secretary for administration, replacing Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Paul Chan Mo-po was named financial secretary, replacing John Tsang Chun-wah.

Meanwhile, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung will no longer hold the post of secretary for labor and welfare, and Paul Chan Mo-po was removed from the post of secretary for development.

The decisions were made upon nomination and recommendation by the SAR's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in line with the relevant provisions in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR.