CHINA

China Appoints New Trade Negotiator as Tariff Tensions Rise

Published: Apr. 17, 2025 2:08 p.m. GMT+8

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Li Chenggang. Photo: SCIO

China has named a new international trade negotiation representative at the Ministry of Commerce amid escalating tariff tensions with the United States.

Li Chenggang, 58, China’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization, has replaced 59-year-old Wang Shouwen, who took the post in 2022. The ministerial-level role oversees all of the country’s trade talks with its partners. Li is expected to assist Vice Premier He Lifeng, China’s lead official for U.S.-China economic and trade affairs, in future negotiations.

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China appointed Li Chenggang as the new international trade negotiation representative, replacing Wang Shouwen, amid U.S.-China trade tensions involving mutual tariffs of 145% and 125%.
Li's extensive career includes roles in the Ministry of Commerce, WTO, and advocacy for multilateral trade systems.
Li aims to tackle U.S.-China economic disputes and emphasized commitment to WTO rules during a WTO General Council meeting.

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Bloomberg: According to the article, Bloomberg reported that China has set preconditions for resuming trade talks with the U.S., including demanding more respectful dialogue and the appointment of a counterpart for negotiations.

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