China Removes WTO Trade Envoy Li Amid U.S. Tensions

China has removed Li Chenggang from his post as the permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), formalizing his reassignment as Beijing's top international trade negotiator amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. Li, a key figure in multiple U.S.-China trade talks, drew controversy after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described him as "unhinged" following Li's August visit to Washington, where he allegedly threatened chaos over U.S. docking fees for Chinese ships. Beijing characterized Li's removal as a routine personnel change, though it occurs amid increased sanctions and export curbs between the two countries. Li Yongjie has replaced him as China's WTO envoy. The reshuffle happens ahead of a planned summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the APEC meeting, with ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing further tariff escalations. The situation reflects rising personal and political friction in the trade relationship between the world's two largest economies.