TL;DR
He Lifeng strongly advocates for universally beneficial free trade, multilateralism, and resolving disputes through dialogue, rejecting protectionism.
Key Points
He Lifeng delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos on January 20, 2026, outlining four key recommendations for trade.
He stated that China is committed to building bridges, not walls, and will continue to share development opportunities through its expanding domestic market.
He briefed on US-China trade talks, noting that guided by presidential understanding, they properly handled outstanding issues and kept the economic and trade relationship generally stable.
Summary
He Lifeng, as Vice Premier, strongly advocates for firmly supporting free trade and promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, positioning China as a partner rather than a rival in trade. He emphasized that economic globalization is a historical trend that has benefited many nations, contrasting this with the negative effects of tariff and trade wars, which fragment the global economy. This stance was clearly articulated during his address at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026, where he urged against rising unilateralism and protectionism.
His position also centers on safeguarding multilateralism to ensure the international economic and trade order is more just and equitable, explicitly warning against a return to the "law of the jungle" where strength dictates terms. He stressed the importance of adhering to the WTO-centered, rules-based system while seeking mutually beneficial agreements that comply with WTO rules. Furthermore, He Lifeng championed resolving differences through equal-footed consultation and dialogue, citing the stabilization of US-China economic and trade relations as proof that cooperation yields more solutions than confrontation.
Key Quotes
We will firmly support trade and investment, liberalization and facilitation, and continue to share development opportunities with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
He Lifeng is a strong advocate for free trade and inclusive economic globalization, emphasizing that it is a prevailing historical trend. He promotes adhering to a rules-based multilateral trading system centered on the WTO. He believes countries must reject protectionism and unilateral acts that undermine global trade order.
The provided context indicates He Lifeng is consistently upholding the vision articulated by the president regarding multilateralism and free trade since at least 2017. His recent statements reinforce these long-standing principles, suggesting a consistent approach rather than a change in core stance.
At Davos 2026, He Lifeng stated that differences and frictions in economic and trade cooperation should be resolved through communication and consultation on an equal footing. He cited positive outcomes in China-US trade talks as evidence that cooperation yields more solutions than confrontation.
Sources3
Davos 2026: Special Address by He Lifeng, Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China
He Lifeng Attends the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and Visits Switzerland
China’s He Lifeng warns against ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.