Overview

• Li Chenggang, a veteran negotiator and former WTO ambassador, has been appointed as China's new international trade representative, replacing Wang Shouwen.
• The appointment marks a strategic move by Beijing as it navigates a rapidly intensifying trade war with the United States.
• Since January 2025, US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese goods by 145%, prompting China to implement retaliatory measures.
• The escalating tariff measures have raised concerns about potential severe impacts on global markets, with calls for de-escalation from market analysts.
• Vice-Premier He Lifeng continues to oversee China-US economic relations, with Li expected to play a key role in managing working-level negotiations.