China appoints new trade negotiator during tariff fight with US

China appointed a new trade negotiator Wednesday in the midst of its tariff fight with the United States as the world’s two largest economies steadily increase tariffs on each other’s goods. China's government said Li Chenggang replaces Wang Shouwen, who participated in negotiations for the countries' 2020 trade deal. China faces 145 percent taxes on exports to the U.S., while the Trump administration gave dozens of other countries a 90-day reprieve for most duties. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125 percent tariffs on American exports, while stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment. Earlier on Wednesday, China announced its economy expanded at a 5.4 percent annual pace in January-March, supported by strong exports. Analysts are forecasting that the world’s second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs on U.S. imports from China take effect. Exports were a strong factor in China’s 5 percent annual growth rate in 2024. The official target for this year is also about 5 percent. In the near term, th