China Names New Trade Representative as US-China Tensions Continue:

Li Chenggang has been named the new vice commerce minister and trade representative, taking over from Wang Shouwen. The change was publicized only on Wednesday and, as is customary in China, provided no rationale for the decision.

Talks on US - China trade relations remain stagnant

This comes as China and the US continue to grapple with strained relations over trade. Both put off examination on how to restart discussions aimed at relieving the tension. The US President Donald Trump has continued to express willingness to renew talks; however, China is clear that an equal ground needs to be established for negotiations to begin.

The two fiercest world’s economies continue to experience increased tariff rates on mutual imports. The US has recently placed imports of Chinese goods under an almost 145% tariff and China has retaliated by imposing up to 125% tariff on American goods. There is no sign of either side showing willingness to bend.

No new role declared to replace the outgoing official

Wang Shouwen, 59, has worked as China’s trade representative for China from the beginning of 2018. He has not yet been placed in any new official role but “retirement age” has yet to be reached for him. During the first term of Trump’s presidency, there was a major shift in trade negotiations which Shouwen played an instrumental role in. He led negotiations during the 2018-2019 trade war which eventually ended in a truce.

Li Chenggang’s Biographical Information

Li Chenggang, 58, served as China’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in February 2021. Chenggang acquired his law degree from Peking University, and has worked his entire professionally in the Ministry of Commerce. He was also vice mayor of Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province, for a short period.

Li Chenggang and Chenggang in Georgetown University’s Liu School of Business Study Chenggang Meeting Chenggang Business School Edit Chenguang Cheng Business Meeting Cheng Head Cheng Team

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Discussions related to China’s economic policies with the US have been assigned to Vice Premier He Lifeng and Chenggang. He recently spoke with US Treasury Scott Bessent. He held an initial call with Bessent in February and later had a video call with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Working level negotiations are mostly handled by trade representatives, while final authority is reserved for senior officials.