Two chosen to lead China security apparatus

China has appointed Chen Yixin as state security minister, replacing Chen Wenqing, the National People's Congress said yesterday.

Chen Yixin, who was elected to the ruling Communist Party's Central Committee this month, had been in charge of a campaign in recent years to purge corrupt security and legal officials.

Chen Wenqing, who was elevated to the ruling Communist Party's Politburo, has been named as party secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, China's top security post with oversight of the police, judges and spies.

Chen Wenqing's promotion was the first time that a spy chief was tapped to fill the top security position, which had typically been held by a former minister of public security.

Analysts said this reflects the bigger role intelligence may play in China's security during President Xi Jinping's third term.

Meanwhile, China passed legislation yesterday aimed at giving women more protection against gender discrimination and sexual harassment, days after the bill was submitted to the country's top legislature after a third revision and extensive public input.

It is the first time in nearly 30 years that the law on women's protection was changed. Titled "Women's Rights and Interests Protection Law," the bill was submitted to the Standing Committee of the NPC on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of people had sent in suggestions for what they wanted to see in the legislation.

Xinhua news said on Thursday that the legislation "strengthens the protection of disadvantaged groups such as poor, elderly, and disabled women."

According to Xinhua, employers will be held to account if women's rights are violated, while obstructing the rescue of trafficked and kidnapped women will be classed as an offense.