Economics
China Turns to New Commerce Minister as U.S. Tensions Simmer
- Wang Wentao replaces Zhong Shan, who reached retirement age
- China and U.S. expected to renegotiate trade deal under Biden
Wang Wentao will help shape and implement China’s economic policy goals of boosting consumer demand.
Source: Ministry of Commerce People’s Republic of ChinaThis article is for subscribers only.
Wang Wentao has the investor-friendly background that one might expect from China’s next commerce minister. But it’s political credentials that might be key to his success amid increasing hostility with the U.S.
Wang, 56, has held top positions in a number of provincial capitals across China, and was most recently governor of northeast Heilongjiang province for more than two years. He replaces Zhong Shan, who has reached the retirement age of 65 for ministerial-level officials.