He Lifeng
- Known for
- Chinese economist, Politician
- Born in
- China
- Education
- Ph.D. in economics, Xiamen University
He Lifeng is a key Chinese economist and politician, currently serving as Vice Premier since March 2023, overseeing critical economic and financial affairs. As a close associate of Xi Jinping, he holds significant influence, having led the NDRC before his elevation to the Politburo in 2022.
Signature Positions
He has championed a robust approach to China's economic strategy, focusing on growth, reform, and international engagement:
- Economic Policy: Promotes new productive forces through coordination between government and efficient markets.
- Financial Sector: Committed to expanding high-level opening up in finance while safeguarding security, positioning Shanghai as a global hub.
- Real Estate: Actively working to stabilize the market through targeted measures, such as 'white lists' for troubled projects.
- Foreign Economic Relations: Serves as China's lead representative in key dialogues with the United States, EU, and Germany, seeking de-escalation where necessary.
He Lifeng's career is marked by deep roots in provincial governance, notably in Fujian where he cultivated close ties with Xi Jinping. His transition from leading the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to Vice Premier solidifies his role as a central executor of economic policy, succeeding Liu He in key financial oversight roles.
Notable Tensions
While emphasizing opening up, He's policies also reflect strategic control:
- Trade War: Engaged in efforts to de-escalate tensions with the United States, meeting with US Treasury officials, while also pushing for Chinese companies to play a strong role.
- Financial Stability vs. Opening: He balances the push for global financial integration with the mandate to safeguard financial security.