Mr. Xiangchen Zhang has been Deputy-Director General of WTO since 1 June 2021. He has long and extensive experience on WTO issues, trade negotiations and policy research.
Prior to his current position, he served as Vice Minister of Commerce of China. He was China's Ambassador to the WTO from 2017 to 2020, Deputy China International Trade Representative (vice-minister level) from 2015 to 2017, Assistant Minister of Commerce from 2013 to 2015. He also held several other senior positions in the Ministry of Commerce, including Director General for Policy Research from 2011 to 2013, and Director General for WTO Affairs from 2005 to 2008. In 2005, he was appointed chief negotiator for China-Australia FTA. From 1992 to 2001, he was a leading aide to China's Chief Representative for GATT/WTO accession negotiations.
Mr. Zhang holds a bachelor's degree in law, a master's degree in international relations and a PhD in international politics.