JPMorgan China economist Frank Gong promoted

HONG KONG, July 31 (Reuters) - Frank Gong, a prominent JPMorgan economist who has been bullish on China's yuan and economic prospects for years, has been promoted to vice chairman of its China investment banking division.

Gong, who made his reputation with correct forecasts of China's landmark yuan appreciation policy move in 2005, will also share a role as chairman of JPMorgan's China Diversified Industry Clients division, the bank said in a statement.

In his new role, Gong, who has been JPMorgan's chief China economist for five years, will report to Fang Fang, JPMorgan's China chief executive, according to the statement. (Reporting by George Chen; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)