TL;DR
He Lifeng advocates for pragmatic resolution of trade disputes, emphasizing multilateralism and stable economic relations over escalating tariff conflicts.
Key Points
He Lifeng participated in discussions in Paris intended to prepare for a summit, indicating a focus on stability in US-China economic ties.
Following an earlier truce in May, China increased export controls on rare earths, which Beijing viewed as a necessary response to US actions.
A statement attributed to China's Ministry of Commerce praised a dispute resolution mechanism as conducive to safeguarding the rules-based international trade order.
Summary
He Lifeng, in his capacity as a high-ranking Chinese official, engages in dialogues aimed at resolving existing trade frictions, particularly those involving the United States. His approach is characterized by a push for multilateralism and stability, as demonstrated during high-level trade talks held in Paris ahead of a major summit between the two nations' leaders. This engagement suggests a focus on de-escalation and finding workable arrangements to prevent trade disputes from destabilizing the broader economic relationship. For example, a temporary truce was brokered in May that aimed to pause escalating measures.
This position implies a preference for negotiation and the maintenance of the rules-based international trade order, even amid disagreements over specific economic policies like subsidies or export controls. When the European Union moved to resolve disputes regarding electric vehicles, a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce, referencing the process, noted it was conducive to the healthy development of economic and trade relations and safeguarding the international trade order. This highlights a general stance favoring managed trade outcomes rather than outright confrontation through blanket tariff increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
He Lifeng appears to favor pragmatic engagement to resolve trade disputes, seeking to maintain stability in major economic relationships. He has been involved in high-level talks aimed at de-escalation rather than embracing a confrontational tariff-based approach.
Yes, He Lifeng was reportedly involved in brokering a temporary truce with the US Treasury Secretary in May to pause the escalation of trade war measures. This suggests a willingness to use diplomacy to manage tariff tensions.
He Lifeng and associated Chinese economic statements express support for the rules-based international trade order. This suggests a preference for resolving issues through established frameworks, even when trade disputes, including those involving tariffs, are ongoing.
Sources4
China, US to hold high-level trade talks in Paris before Trump’s Beijing visit
As the trade war resumes, China may be keeping one eye on Trump and one on the Supreme Court
China in Europe: January 2026
China says thorough preparations needed ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.