China Names New Trade Envoy as Tariff War With US Escalates

China replaced its trade representative as Beijing and Washington remain at an impasse over the conditions for talks to cool the escalating trade war.

Beijing has named Li Chenggang as vice commerce minister and trade envoy, replacing Wang Shouwen, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. It provided no explanation as is usual with personnel moves.

The change comes as the world’s two largest economies continue a tariff war that’s rattled global markets, with no signs of a negotiation in the near future.

Li Chenggang

Photographer: Emin Menguarslan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again called on China to reach out ...