Kenneth Lieberthal will replace Sandra Kristoff as special assistant to President Clinton and as the senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council.

Lieberthal taught political science, Russian and Chinese studies at the University of Michigan where he has been on the faculty since 1983. He was the director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Michiganfrom 1986 to 1989.

Lieberthal also taught at Swarthmore College from 1972 to 1983 and served as a Consultant for the departments of State and Commerce, the World Bank and Private Foundations.

A graduate of Columbia University, Lieberthal has also written several books and articles, primarily on China.