China picks new top trade negotiator amid U.S. tariff fight

Li Chenggang, former representative to WTO, replaces veteran Wang Shouwen

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Li Chenggang, who served as China's ambassador to the World Trade Organization, has been named its new top trade negotiator. © Reuters

April 16, 2025 13:55 JST

BEIJING (Reuters) -- China appointed as its new trade negotiator on Wednesday a former representative to the World Trade Organization who replaces Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, amid an escalating tariff war with the United States.

Li Chenggang, 58, a former assistant commerce minister during the first administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, takes over from Wang, 59, the human resources and social security ministry said in a statement.