China has named State Security Minister Chen Wenqing, as chief of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which oversees the police force and judiciary.

The commission announced Chen's appointment on its webpage.

The appointment is viewed as part of President Xi Jinping's effort to fill key security posts with his loyalists to suppress any moves to undermine his grip on power.

As top of the State Security Ministry, Chen has supported Xi since 2016. The ministry is tasked with intelligence and counterintelligence activities, both at home and abroad.

Chen was promoted to the powerful 24-member Politburo of the Communist Party on October 23.

The commission's second-highest post has been already filled by Wang Xiaohong, who worked under Xi when he was a provincial leader. Wang has also served as public security minister since 2021.