Wu Xinbo, director of Fudan University’s American studies centre, said Tai’s previous experience in setting US strategy in trade disputes with China at the WTO meant she was skilled in applying pressure to China on a multilateral platform.

“In contrast to Trump’s and Lighthizer’s approach, which favours bilateral trade war, Biden doesn’t see tariffs as the way to go,” Wu said. “Under Biden, Tai could be instrumental in implementing the strategy of recruiting allies and ganging up on China at the WTO.”

Democratic leaders view Tai as a skilled negotiator, while multiple members of both parties in the US Senate have suggested Tai as a potential US trade representative, arguing that she has the expertise to tackle issues relating to China.

Shi Yinhong, a professor on international relations at Renmin University in Beijing and a government adviser, said Tai’s nomination might be another “negative signal” for China-US relations and might continue Washington’s tough stance on China, given Tai’s experience in handling trade issues with China.

“This might not be good news for China, given that she handled the trade disputes with China,” Shi said. “It is not an issue of her Chinese-language skills or ethnicity. We also need to observe whether she has real political influence on Biden.”

Things you may not know about Joe Biden

Gary Locke, a Chinese-American, served as US ambassador to China during the Barack Obama administration. Locke’s appointment had been applauded by China as promoting closer ties between the countries, but his emphasis on the rule of law in China and his role in granting US asylum to rights activist Chen Guangcheng angered Beijing.

Chen Long, a partner with independent research firm Plenum, said he did not expect to see an immediate difference in trade relations between Beijing and Washington.

“[We are] unlikely to see a rollback of tariffs on Chinese products at least in the first half of the year,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China would fulfil its commitments under the interim deal while also calling for a resumption of dialogue on economic policy coordination and a bilateral investment treaty.

The new US trade representative will also play a key role in repairing trade relations with the US’ allies, including addressing tariffs on European countries and Canada, and bridging a gap with the European Union over its imposition of digital tax on US tech firms.

US trade adviser violates laws with ‘Beijing Biden’ commentary: investigators

Wang Yong, director of Peking University’s international political economy centre, said Tai’s selection was a positive move for future trade negotiations between China and the US.

“Tai is an American-born Chinese who speaks fluent [Mandarin],” he said. “She probably has a better understanding of Chinese culture and negotiating style. This is her advantage and her background and qualities will be conducive to advancing dialogue and exchanges between the two countries.

“The Biden team has already expressed that they think it is unrealistic for China and the US to decouple. So I believe the Biden administration will eventually remove all the tariffs put in place by the Trump administration, because American businesses and consumers have suffered from that.

“The US’ negotiating tactics will also need to change.”