China and the US have maintained long-term close communication and cooperation in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce said on July 13 at a press conference.

The spokesperson made the statement when asked about US President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dennis Shea as deputy US Trade Representative and new ambassador to WTO. Shea, the vice chairman of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, has been highly critical of China.

China hopes the US’ new ambassador to WTO will take up office soon, the spokesperson said, adding that China will join efforts with WTO members, including the US, to ensure the success of its 11th Ministerial Conference.