Li Chenggang, China's lead trade negotiator, is described by diplomats and business figures as a smart, pragmatic, and well-prepared career diplomat with deep trade law knowledge and an executive presence. Despite U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling him "unhinged," sources portray Li as a skilled negotiator who alternates between charm and delivering Beijing's tough messages. He played a key role in steadying U.S.-China trade relations in 2025 and is expected to lead future negotiations, navigating complex issues like export curbs and semiconductor access.