China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng has become Beijing’s new, tough trade negotiator, marking a clear shift from the more conciliatory approach seen during President Trump’s first term.
In May, He negotiated a 90-day trade truce in Geneva that briefly eased tensions and calmed global markets. That agreement, however, is now under strain as both sides accuse the other of breaching its commitments.
Where previous Chinese negotiators—some educated abroad and inclined toward market pragmatism—sought compromise, He promotes stronger state control and has been given an explicit mandate by Xi Jinping to resist U.S. demands.
This firmer posture reflects Beijing’s resolve not to repeat what it perceives as an unfavorable outcome from the earlier U.S. administration, signaling a tougher, more strategic approach to future trade talks.