China appoints Li Chenggang as new trade envoy amid US tariff tensions

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new international trade representative amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, particularly due to tariffs imposed by President Trump. Li, who has extensive experience in trade negotiations, replaces Wang Shouwen, who played a role in the 2020 trade deal between the two nations. The trade war has escalated, with US tariffs on Chinese imports reaching 145 percent and retaliatory tariffs from China at 125 percent. This leadership change comes as China's economy reported a 5.4 percent growth in the first quarter, despite the pressures from US tariffs. The US White House has indicated that the responsibility for negotiations lies with China, emphasizing that they need to come to the table. Li’s appointment is viewed as pivotal in navigating the complex trade landscape between the two countries.