Who Is He Lifeng? The Quiet Force Behind China-US Trade Tensions
With the spotlight shifting from Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, a new figure has emerged in the intensifying Sino-American trade landscape. Vice Premier He Lifeng, Xi’s chief economic lieutenant, was once seen as just another party official, but is now the man quietly shaping China trade negotiations with the US.
He Lifeng Steps into the Global Arena
When senior executives from multinational companies gathered in Beijing last month, their agenda centred firmly on Xi Jinping. Yet behind the scenes, Vice Premier He Lifeng left a lasting impression. Several business leaders have begun to see him as the gatekeeper for Sino-American trade talks.
He, 70, is no stranger to power circles. He is one of Xi Jinping’s longest-standing confidants, now managing the world’s second-largest economy and steering complex discussions on China trade negotiations with the US. Since the US imposed punitive tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, all eyes have turned to He for any hint of de-escalation or progress.
The Evolution of a Key Trade Tsar
Gaining Traction in Sino-American Trade Circles
Over the last year, He Lifeng has met with foreign investors and diplomats at least 60 times. That’s up from 45 meetings in his first year as vice premier. Most of this outreach isn’t on stage or on the news. It’s private, often off-the-record, aimed at calming fears and striking a pragmatic tone.
According to investors who’ve spoken with Reuters, He’s style has shifted. He no longer rigidly sticks to talking points or ignores tough questions—even if his English skills remain limited. He’s presented as more confident, sharp, and action-oriented. As China’s economy faces mounting challenges, He’s ability to interpret Beijing’s positions and deliver on economic promises has improved, making him essential in upcoming negotiations.
Balancing Old-School Bureaucracy with a New Role
Despite his growing reputation abroad, He Lifeng has not fully shed his roots as a local official. Those who’ve dealt with him recall a time when his public appearances were stiff, even underwhelming. After taking over from Harvard-trained Liu He, He Lifeng faced a learning curve in managing international engagement.
At internal briefings, some American executives expected little and got little. He seemed quiet, surrounded by aides, often sticking to recited policy lines. Yet, with Trump’s tariffs ramping up pressure and the spotlight brightening on Sino-American trade, He Lifeng has evolved. By March, foreign executives described more candid discussions and more clarity in explanation.
He Lifeng and China’s Trade Strategy
Playing Defender on Trade Surpluses
He Lifeng embodies China’s traditional export-driven policy. This shows clearly in his approach to China trade negotiations with the US. Where some see a need to shift towards more domestic consumption, He remains a strong supporter of ramping up manufacturing and maintaining trade surpluses.
Three foreign executives told Reuters that He regularly brushes off concerns over Chinese overcapacity. He doesn’t shy away from defending China’s trade surplus, an issue many see as central to Chinese job creation. “On the daily level, He will be defending China’s trade surplus,” says Wen-Ti Sung from the Atlantic Council.
The Man Behind the Numbers
This focus on surplus and export aligns closely with Xi Jinping’s vision. He Lifeng’s assignment is to implement party directives, not to innovate or challenge the status quo. Most observers agree, his top priority is making sure China hits its growth targets—even if that means friction in Sino-American trade.
Throughout ongoing tariff disputes, Beijing has insisted Washington needs to stop “extreme pressure” if it wants a trade deal. While Trump and Xi may headline the drama, it’s He Lifeng who’s been tasked with keeping China’s export engine running smoothly.
What Foreign Businesses Really Think
An Increasingly Predictable Player
With Washington engaged in chaotic political shifts, business leaders find comfort in He, whose predictability contrasts with that of recent White House dealings. A US businessperson at the Beijing forum said He’s ability to explain economic policy, and deliver help, stands out from other Chinese officials. That, in a landscape marked by tit-for-tat tariffs, is a key asset.
Handling Western Concerns
He has taken the lead on delicate matters, from rare earth export controls to the treatment of Japanese nationals after a major stabbing incident. While his early responses were formal and rehearsed, recent months have shown a more nuanced, confident style. International observers say He is now willing to explain China’s position with a sophistication unexpected even a year ago.
Interestingly, the vice premier displays particular confidence in homegrown Chinese companies, like AI start-up Deepseek, hinting at the party’s next generation of focus beyond simple trade.
The Domestic Roots of China’s Trade Negotiator
From Fujian to the Trade Frontline
He Lifeng’s climb began at the local level in his native Fujian province, where Xi Jinping’s own career took off in the 1990s. Their longstanding relationship means He is seen as Xi’s trusted fixer and “chief lieutenant” for carrying out economic strategies.
During a stint in Tianjin, He earned the nickname “He the Demolisher”. His focus on real estate and urban renewal projects brought a shiny new look to the city but increased its debt. Alfred Wu, of the National University of Singapore, called him a “typical local bureaucrat and a very typical protégé of Xi Jinping,” primarily known for getting things done, not shaking things up.
What’s Next for He Lifeng and Sino-American Trade?
Tensions, Talks, and Tariffs
Despite the public rhetoric from Trump and Xi, detailed trade discussions rely on a ground team. Negotiator Li Chenggang handles day-to-day contact, but He directs the strategy. Foreign diplomats expect He will continue to travel abroad, like his upcoming trip to Paris, and play a pivotal role in resolving sectoral disputes—for example, the current row over Chinese tariffs on French cognac.
China’s State Council, as usual, stays quiet on behind-the-scenes negotiations. Still, the pattern is clear. While the US has demanded a direct line to Xi for tariff talks, China insists on setting boundaries and asking for a “counterpart” for concrete discussions. The US-China goods trade deficit remains a major sticking point.
Policy Priorities and Challenges
He’s agenda now must address not only external pressure but internal headwinds. China faces sluggish growth, deflation, an ageing population, and a real-estate crisis. While He’s critics question his energy and vision, defenders say he’s turning into a key player who delivers stability at a time of high uncertainty in China trade negotiations with the US.
Source
Reuters – China’s trade and economy tsar steps into spotlight
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