China Morning Missive When you miss the actual point, entirely. Not sure if you’ve heard the story of an individual among the Chinese trade team “going rouge” recently. Or as Sec Bessent said “had acted unhinged”. Well, it was reported that this individual was removed from his post. Have included a CNBC article for reference below. Technically that would be correct, but as I noted above, that also misses the actual point. Have personally seen this tactic a million times before. When negotiating with a Chinese party you can expect one individual to “go rouge” and that will typically take place at a point of heightened tension. The aim is to put the other side further off balance. We, in the west, would call this person the “bad cop”. This is purposefully done, and I would also add that the actions and approach taken will be what is consider “unhinged” by western standards. But here’s the point that I find to be hysterical. This individual was, yes, formally and technically removed from his post as Ambassador to the WTO and a member of the trade team. He was, also, promoted, returning to Beijing for a higher up roll in the Ministry of Commerce. He did his job. Did it well and effectively to advance China’s interests. The entire circus, and this event in particular, just shows how poorly Sec Bessent and his team understand the opposing side.

CNBC

China removes top trade negotiator from former World Trade Organization post

China has formalized the new role of top trade negotiator Li Chenggang, dropping him from the post of permanent representative to the World Trade O...