Overview

• Li Chenggang, a seasoned diplomat and former WTO ambassador, has replaced Wang Shouwen as China's international trade representative.
• The appointment follows a sharp escalation in the US-China trade war, with the US increasing tariffs on Chinese goods by 145% since January 2025.
• Observers view the leadership shift as an effort by Beijing to reinvigorate stalled trade talks and counter US unilateral tariff policies.
• Li has criticized US tariff actions as violations of WTO rules, emphasizing their disruptive impact on global trade systems.
• The move highlights China's recalibrated strategy to assert its position and seek resolution in a deepening economic conflict.