TL;DR
He Lifeng advocates for constructive dialogue to manage trade disputes while rejecting unilateral trade conflict measures.
Key Points
He engaged in constructive discussions with advisors to the U.S. President in December 2025 concerning bilateral ties.
He has publicly declared that trade wars ultimately result in no winners for any party involved.
He warned against the rise of a "law jungle" during a recent address, cautioning against unilateral trade measures.
Summary
He Lifeng, in his capacity as a high-ranking economic official, has taken a diplomatic approach toward the ongoing trade tensions, specifically advocating for constructive engagement with U.S. counterparts to manage disagreements. Evidence of this position includes holding what were described as constructive telephone calls with advisors to the prospective U.S. administration, suggesting a willingness to maintain lines of communication rather than pursue escalation. He has also publicly stated that tariff and trade wars ultimately have no winners, positioning China as a proponent of multilateral trade solutions over unilateral economic conflict.
This stance places him as a key facilitator for stabilizing the economic relationship amid potential policy shifts in the United States. His recent diplomatic outreach seems designed to secure continuity in bilateral economic ties, urging an end to specific international conflicts that could further destabilize global commerce. By calling on all countries to uphold multilateral principles, he frames China's position as one favoring a stable, rules-based international trading environment over protectionist disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
He Lifeng maintains that trade wars are mutually destructive, asserting that they have no winners. His position emphasizes the need for constructive, high-level dialogue to resolve ongoing economic disputes between nations.
He Lifeng has not indicated a fundamental change in opposing trade conflicts but is actively pursuing diplomatic channels for engagement. He has been pictured holding constructive calls with key figures in the U.S. economic sphere.
The official stated that the imposition of tariffs and the continuation of trade wars are detrimental to all participants. He advocates for adherence to multilateral trade principles over unilateral economic actions.
Sources5
China’s He Lifeng holds ‘constructive’ call with Trump officials Bessent and Greer
China’s He Lifeng holds constructive call with Bessent, Greer
China Eyes Landmark Year for US Ties, Urges End to Iran War
Tariff and trade wars have no winners, and China called on all countries to uphold multilateralism
China’s He Lifeng warns against ‘law jungle’ as Davos, Trump roils Europe
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.