Arthur Tsao

Arthur Tsao is a highly experienced legal professional specializing in international trade and China-related matters. He currently serves as the Director for International Economics at the National Security Council in the White House, a position he has held since March 2023.1

Prior to his current role, Tsao held several significant positions:

1. Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (March 2020 - March 2023)1
2. Associate General Counsel at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (March 2019 - February 2020)1
3. Assistant General Counsel at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (December 2012 - February 2019)1

Tsao has an extensive background in military law, having served in various legal roles within the United States Army and Army Reserve:

• Criminal Law Attorney in the U.S. Army Reserve (May 2018 - March 2021)1
• Team Chief of the 151st Legal Operations Detachment in the U.S. Army Reserve (April 2014 - May 2018)1
• Litigation Attorney in the U.S. Army (February 2011 - December 2012)1
• Trial Defense Attorney in the U.S. Army (January 2009 - February 2011)1
• International Law & Iraqi Law Attorney in the U.S. Army, serving in Baghdad, Iraq (November 2007 - November 2008)1

His educational background includes:

• JD from the University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law (2002-2005)1
• BA in Government/International Relations from Claremont McKenna College (1998-2002)1

Tsao is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, which is particularly valuable in his work related to China trade enforcement.1 He is also a member of the State Bar of California.1

In his role as Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement, Tsao has been involved in significant trade-related matters. For instance, he chaired a Section 301 investigation hearing on China's acts, policies, and practices targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance in May 2024.2