China Replaces WTO Envoy Li Chenggang After Bessent Criticism

• Li Chenggang replaced as China's WTO envoy following sharp criticism from US Treasury Secretary.
• Appointment of Li Yongjie signals China's strategic recalibration ahead of the APEC summit.

China has replaced Li Chenggang, its permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. This decision, reported by Cryptopolitan on October 20, 2025, follows US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's public criticism of Li’s behavior during previous trade discussions, describing him as "unhinged." The timing of the move suggests a strategic response ahead of a critical meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea.

Li Yongjie formally presented her credentials as China’s new WTO representative on September 29, replacing Li Chenggang, known for his long-standing expertise in international trade law. Cryptopolitan highlighted that Li Chenggang’s August visit to Washington had created friction, with reports indicating he arrived uninvited and employed "incendiary language" during trade negotiations. His departure appears to reflect China’s intention to soften its approach in trade talks with the US, especially after criticism regarding his conduct.

This leadership change also comes as China grapples with significant economic pressures. US sanctions and China's export restrictions on rare earth materials have worsened relations between the two countries. Cryptopolitan noted that China’s economic growth in the third quarter was the slowest in a year, exposing weaknesses in its export-driven economy and domestic demand. The decline has led Chinese manufacturers to slash prices in overseas markets to combat falling US orders, a strategy that has negatively affected corporate profitability and employment in the sector.

The development also underscores strains within the WTO framework. The organization's principles focus on negotiated solutions and adherence to established rules, yet escalating trade conflicts, unilateral tariffs, and strong rhetoric from political leaders challenge these norms. The public criticism of a WTO representative by a senior US official is particularly unusual, highlighting the stress on the multilateral trading system. China’s decision to replace an experienced negotiator with a new envoy raises questions about how it plans to engage with WTO mechanisms moving forward.

The upcoming APEC summit, where Presidents Trump and Xi are set to meet, is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping US-China trade relations. Their discussions will likely impact bilateral policies, economic agreements, and the global framework governing international trade. The outcome of the summit will help define the future trajectory of these negotiations, influencing not just US-China ties but also the broader multilateral trade systems at a critical moment for the global economy.