In a sign of growing US-China trade tensions, America’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday called Beijing’s trade official ‘unhinged’, likening him to a wolf warrior – a term normally used for aggressive Chinese diplomats.The stabilising US-China diplomatic relations deteriorated recently following American expansion of technology restrictions and proposed tariffs on Chinese vessels at US ports. Beijing retaliated with corresponding measures, including stricter controls on exports of rare earths and other strategic materials.
‘Showed up uninvited’: Bessent on China trade negotiator
According to a Bloomberg report, Bessent criticised a senior Chinese trade representative, accusing him of arriving in Washington without invitation and displaying aggressive behaviour characteristic of China’s confrontational diplomatic approach.Bessent claimed that Li Chenggang’s visit to Washington on August 28 was not authorised by the Donald Trump administration. During a Wednesday press conference, the Treasury chief suggested the vice minister’s arrival with provocative rhetoric might indicate independent action.“Perhaps the vice minister who showed up here with very incendiary language on August 28 has gone rogue,” he said.Bessent’s criticism targeted one of China’s most distinguished trade specialists. Li, who serves as vice minister, holds advanced legal credentials, specifically a Master of Laws qualification from the University of Hamburg in Germany.Bessent expressed strong disapproval of Li’s conduct, describing it as disrespectful. During an event, Bessent incorrectly pronounced Li’s name as “Kuanggong” and called him ‘low level’, despite Li holding full ministerial status in China.Li, aged 58, was designated as China’s vice minister of commerce and trade envoy in April, following Trump’s announcement of huge Liberation Day tariffs. Working alongside He Lifeng, China’s chief trade negotiator, Li has been central to multiple negotiation sessions between the two leading global economies.During his tenure as China’s representative to the World Trade Organization in Geneva from February 2021 until his April appointment, Li demonstrated his negotiation skills. Keith Rockwell, a former WTO spokesperson who interacted with Li, describes him as resolute yet measured in his approach.Li established himself as an astute diplomat with comprehensive knowledge during his role leading China’s discussions with the Obama administration regarding a bilateral investment agreement.“He knew his stuff” and “didn’t allow the US to push him around,” Rockwell shared with Bloomberg News earlier this year.“Chinese officials seldom go rogue, and those that do, tend to end up out of a job especially under Xi Jinping’s heavily centralized rule,” Thomas said. “So it’s highly unlikely that Li’s actions were anything other than approved by Xi in Beijing.”
China hits back at Bessent’s remarks
China’s Commerce Ministry released a statement on Thursday indicating that Bessent had severely misrepresented the facts. According to spokesperson He Yongqian, Li visited the United States to pursue discussions that followed the earlier discussions between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.Recent diplomatic exchanges between China and the US have continued, with China putting forward proposals. However, he noted that the US’s unreceptive response on shipping issues has compelled China to implement retaliatory measures.China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed that in late August, Li travelled to Washington for meetings with treasury, commerce and trade officials. The ministry’s statement noted that during this visit, he stressed the “principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”Lin Jian, the spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasised that their nation’s stance on trade matters remained “consistent and clear.”“The US should work with China to resolve relevant issues through dialogue and consultation based on equality, mutual respect and reciprocity, rather than repeatedly resorting to pressure and threats,” he said.
Bessent’s claims at odds with China
According to the Bloomberg report, Bessent offered a contrasting account, indicating that Li had cautioned about potential “global chaos” if the United States proceeded with implementing port fees on Chinese vessels. “Maybe he thinks he’s a wolf warrior,” he stated.Neil Thomas, Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, is of the view that Bessent aims to convey to Xi that easing recent export restrictions could facilitate an agreement with President Trump.
