China Appoints Li Chenggang as New Trade Negotiator Amid US Tensions

China has appointed Li Chenggang, former envoy to the WTO, as the new chief trade negotiator, replacing Wang Shouwen amid escalating tariff tensions with the United States. This leadership change comes as President Xi Jinping is visiting Southeast Asia to strengthen economic ties while facing off against U.S. trade policies. Analysts suggest that Li's appointment reflects China's strategy to manage ongoing trade disputes, especially as Washington has indicated a willingness to negotiate under certain conditions. Following new tariffs imposed by President Trump, which target Chinese imports significantly, China maintains a hardline stance but asserts it is open to dialogue if approached respectfully. The shift in negotiators is seen as a potentially disruptive move as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. China's Foreign Ministry has emphasized that there are no winners in a trade war and is calling for negotiations based on equality and mutual benefit.