Martial arts icon Jackie Chan has been appointed to serve as a member of China's houses of parliament.

The Rush Hour star, 58, was handpicked by leaders of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to join the new National Committee, which will begin a fresh four-year term in March (13), when the Communist Party's general secretary Xi Jinping is expected to be named the country's new president.

Author and 2012 Nobel prize winner for literature Mo Yan has also been named as one of 2,237 delegates on the top advisory body.

Chan's new role will come as no surprise to fans - he recently announced his latest film, Chinese Zodiac, will be his last major action adventure as he approaches 60 and admitted he was keen to devote more time to his charity work.