China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new international trade representative at the Ministry of Commerce, replacing Wang Shouwen amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Li, 58, brings extensive experience, having previously served as China's ambassador to the World Trade Organization and as Assistant Commerce Minister during the first Trump administration. The reshuffle was announced by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

This leadership change coincides with intensified tariff disputes between the two largest global economies.

Since President Donald Trump's return to office in January, the U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own levies.

Li's appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen China's negotiating position in the ongoing trade conflict.

The Ministry of Commerce has expressed openness to engaging with the new U.S. administration's economic and trade team, emphasising the importance of dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect and win-win collaboration.

China maintains its opposition to unilateral tariffs and aims to manage differences effectively to promote long-term stability in bilateral economic and trade relations.