China has removed senior trade negotiator Li Chenggang from his post as the country’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO). State media announced the move on Monday, noting that Li will retain his positions as China’s international trade representative and vice‑minister of commerce. Beijing’s foreign ministry described the change as a “routine personnel change.”
The decision follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent description of Li as “slightly unhinged” in a CNBC interview. Bessent cited an August visit to Washington in which Li allegedly threatened to disrupt the global system if the United States imposed docking fees on Chinese ships. Xinhua news agency listed Li’s removal among other ambassadorial appointments and changes released on Monday.
Li led a Chinese delegation to Washington for trade talks in August, calling for “equal dialogue and consultation” between the two nations. The removal of his WTO posting comes as China and the United States are set to begin another round of trade negotiations next week, aiming to prevent further escalation of their long‑running tariff dispute.
Recent developments have heightened tensions. Beijing announced sweeping controls on the rare‑earths industry, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. Both sides have also imposed reciprocal port fees: the United States introduced fees in April, and China responded with “special port fees” on U.S. ships arriving at Chinese ports.
The ongoing trade frictions have significant implications for the global economy. As the two countries prepare for the upcoming talks, the international community will be watching closely to see how the negotiations unfold and what impact they will have on global trade.
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