David D. Li is the Mansfield Freeman Chair Professor of Economics, Director of Center for China in the World Economy (CCWE), and the founding Dean of the Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University, which is a fellowship program with a master’s degree curriculum. The program's objective is to bring future global leaders to Tsinghua as a way to bridge the gap between China and the rest of the world.

As a leading Chinese economist, Professor Li is active in policy advising and discussions. He served on China’s Monetary Policy Committee and was an external advisor to the International Monetary Fund. He is a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Committee (CPPCC) and a member of Sino-German Economic Advisory Council. He’s also a member of the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum based in Switzerland.

Professor Li holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in economics from Tsinghua University and Harvard University, respectively.