The appointment makes Li a key member of China's trade negotiation team as Beijing deals with trade disputes with the U.S.

BEIJING (AP) — China appointed a new top international trade negotiator on Wednesday amid tariff tensions with the U.S. The government said that Li Chenggang has been appointed to replace Wang Shouwen, who participated in the trade negotiations for the 2020 trade deal between the China and the U.S.

The World Trade Organization slashed its forecast for merchandise trade this year as soaring US tariffs and broader uncertainty hammer international commerce.

Across his political career, President Donald Trump has made his case for tariffs by relying on a number of false and misleading claims. Here’s a guide.

The World Trade Organization sharply cut its forecast for global merchandise trade from solid growth to a decline on Wednesday, saying further U.S. tariffs and spillover effects could lead to the heaviest slump since the height of the COVID pandemic.