China's customs chief Yu Jianhua dies suddenly at 63

Yu Jianhua, China's customs chief and a key trade negotiator, died suddenly on December 12 at age 63. His illness was not disclosed, and emergency efforts to save him were unsuccessful, according to the General Administration of Customs. Yu had recently attended meetings, including one with officials from Jilin province on the day of his death. His last public appearance was on December 3, when he met with Chilean officials to discuss agricultural trade agreements. Yu had led the General Administration of Customs since April 2022 and previously served as China's international trade representative. He played a significant role during the U.S.-China trade negotiations under former President Donald Trump.