UPDATE 1-Taiwan ministers culled after typhoon criticisms

* New economics, foreign affairs, defence ministers picked

* Finance minister Lee Sush-der re-appointed

* Cabinet not seen changing economic, China, foreign policy

By Ralph Jennings and Lin Miao-jung

TAIPEI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Taiwan replaced a number of ministers in a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday following public criticism over it response to a deadly typhoon, in a move that is unlikely to alter the administration's pro-China policy.

Shi Yen-shiang, chairman of Taiwan's China Petroleum Corp [CHIP.UL], was named economics minister, while Lee Sush-der kept his position as finance minister, newly appointed Premier Wu Den-yih told a news conference.

Wu was named premier on Monday after his predecessor Liu Chao-shiuan resigned amid criticism that the government did not act quickly or strongly enough after Typhoon Morakot drenched the island's southern mountains, triggering massive landslides and killing up to 769 people.

"The most important thing for us to do is rebuild the public's confidence," Wu said at a Wednesday handover ceremony.

Taiwan's entire 42-member cabinet had offered to resign, but not all members were replaced and most analysts see no significant changes in President Ma Ying-jeou's foreign, economic or China policies emerging from the new cabinet.

Other ministers who were replaced included the island's foreign affairs minister, the defence minister, the education minister, the interior minister, and the minister-in-charge for the Council of Economic Planning and Development.

"At least this would relieve Ma of the recent mess, as that's the political impact ... of the cabinet change," said Alexander Huang, a strategic studies professor at Tamkang University in Taipei.

Taiwan leaders typically replace top officials in response to criticism of the government. Ma's predecessor, Chen Shui-bian, changed premiers six times in eight years, seldom causing alarm.

Ma has sought detente and new trade links with historic rival China, an economic powerhouse, since he took office in 2008. China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan and has vowed to take the island by force, if necessary.

At home, Ma's government has pushed domestic consumption and urged Taiwan businesses based overseas to return.

Ahead of the announcement, Taiwan's benchmark TAIEX share index .TWII posted its worst daily drop in two weeks, while the local currency TWD=TP rose to close the session at T$32.745 to the dollar. (Writing by Ralph Jennings and Kelvin Soh; Editing by Alex Richardson)