China Appoints Li Chenggang as New Trade Envoy Amid US Tensions

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new trade envoy, replacing Wang Shouwen. This decision comes as the trade war with the US intensifies. Chinese officials argue that US “tariff barriers and trade bullying” are harming the global economy.

Li Chenggang Takes Over Trade Negotiations

Li Chenggang, 58, brings extensive experience. He has worked as a deputy representative to the UN and held key roles in China’s commerce ministry. His appointment follows ongoing trade disputes between China and the US, particularly after President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods.

Experts Call the Change Abrupt

Alfredo Montufar-Helu, a senior advisor at the Conference Board, called the change “very abrupt and potentially disruptive.” He explained, “It might be that in the view of China’s top leadership, given how tensions have continued escalating, they need someone else to break the impasse… and finally start negotiating.”

However, some analysts see the move as a “routine promotion,” despite the timing during heightened tensions.

China Rejects US Trade Practices

At a press conference, Sheng Laiyun, Deputy Commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, criticized the US. He stated, “We firmly oppose the US practice of tariff barriers and trade bullying.” He added that these actions “violate the economic laws and the principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” and harm the global economic order.

China Daily Slams the US

In an editorial, China Daily called US actions “capricious and destructive.” The editorial urged the US to “stop whining about itself being a victim in global trade.” It also argued, “The US is not getting ripped off by anybody… rather… [it] has been taking a free ride on the globalisation train.”

China’s GDP Growth Exceeds Expectations

China’s GDP grew by 5.4% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing predictions of 5.1%. This growth was partly due to factories rushing to ship goods before US tariffs increased to 145%. However, analysts warn that the growth may slow as tariffs take full effect in the coming months.

Property Sector Struggles Despite Economic Growth

Despite the positive GDP news, China’s property sector remains weak. Investment in real estate fell by nearly 10%, and new home prices stayed flat. Analysts suggest that China needs to boost domestic demand to offset the impact of US tariffs on exports.