Acting governor appointed in Shaanxi

Liu Guozhong was appointed acting governor of Shaanxi province on Thursday.

The decision was made at a session of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi People's Congress in the provincial capital, Xi'an.

The legislature also accepted the resignation of former governor Hu Heping, who was appointed the province's Party chief in October.

"Shaanxi is one of the important origins of Chinese civilization and culture," said Liu, 55. "It is a holy place of Chinese revolution in history, and also the hometown of President Xi Jinping, which attracts attention from all of society.

"The province is in a critical period of development. I feel honored to be here to work with you and I am ready to assume the great responsibility."

Liu, who pledged allegiance to the Constitution, said the government will remain committed to the new development philosophy, adding that fairer and more-sustainable development with higher quality and efficiency will be advanced to satisfy people's ever-growing needs for a better life.

He also stressed law-based governance and the need to follow Party discipline.

Liu previously served in northeastern China as vice-governor of Heilongjiang province in 2011 and was named governor of Jilin province in 2017.

Born in July 1962, he is a native of Wangkui, Heilongjiang, and received a master's degree from the Harbin Institute of Technology in 1988.