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He Lifeng

The latest news on Chinese economist and politician He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, including political stories and updates.

Born

Feb 1955

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Vice Premier of China

Shoppers browse an international duty-free mall in Sanya, a city in China’s southern Hainan province. Hainan has implemented a slew of special policies to attract global talent and tourists in recent years. Photo: Xinhua

China trade

China’s Hainan launches separate customs regime allowing tariff-free imports

Most goods can enter Hainan with zero import duties under the new system, as China looks to turn the island into a strategic buffer zone.

18 Dec 2025 - 6:01PMvideocam

US-China trade war

Surviving the shocks: what China and the US learned from 2025’s trade war

17 Dec 2025 - 8:07AMvideocam

China's economic recovery

Beijing digs in for trade ‘struggles’, eyes strategy of growth and resilience

12 Dec 2025 - 10:00PMvideocam

US-China trade war

China’s vice-premier has ‘constructive’ call with US officials Bessent and Greer

Both sides agree to promote the development of bilateral trade ties to ‘expand the list for cooperation and shorten the list of problems’.

6 Dec 2025 - 6:05AMvideocam

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng had a productive video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday. Photo: AFP

China manufacturing

Chinese vice-premier urges manufacturing upgrades, trade diversification

He Lifeng highlights importance of technological innovation and a unified domestic market to support sustainable economic growth amid external uncertainties.

21 Nov 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

China-Germany relations

Germany courts China as rare earths stoke economic woes

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil sought assurances on rare earth supplies from China in a bid to ease one of the challenges weighing down Germany’s sluggish economy.

18 Nov 2025 - 5:21PM

China-EU relations

‘We need stability’: China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing

German finance minister’s trip follows a tense period for China-Europe relations, with Berlin gripped by supply chain anxieties.

18 Nov 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng pose for a photo in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

China economy

Opinion | China needs high-quality financial development to support its five-year goals

Inclusive and green finance that is risk-resilient and supportive of innovation and technology must be the foundation of the new Chinese development model.

8 Nov 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

Banking & finance

Editorial | AIIB office and fintech strategy a boost to Hong Kong’s ambitions

Beijing is offering robust support for Hong Kong’s effort to remain a top international financial centre and embrace fintech.

7 Nov 2025 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Beijing’s full backing for Hong Kong on display at finance summit

Hong Kong has a role to play in global financial governance.

5 Nov 2025 - 7:15AM

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng speaks via video link at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit at the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, on November 4. Photo: Edmond So

Fintech

‘Superconnector’ Hong Kong gets boost from Beijing

China is ramping up support for Hong Kong’s finance sector as it develop the city’s role as a link between the mainland and global markets.

4 Nov 2025 - 5:01PM

US-China relations

China, US must take action after Xi-Trump summit, avoid ‘new disruptions’: envoy

Ambassador Xie Feng says most pressing task is to follow up trade progress made in Malaysia with results to ensure stable ties.

4 Nov 2025 - 4:01PMvideocam

Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit 2025

China touts Hong Kong’s role in global finance, stability at summit

Beijing’s commitment aims to solidify Hong Kong’s status as key link between mainland markets and international financial system amid shifting economic landscapes.

4 Nov 2025 - 1:57PMvideocam

US-China relations

‘Amazing’ praise: Xi and Trump thaw summit ice with loads of warmth

Amid a bruising trade war, the two leaders rekindle friendly tone ahead of their first face-to-face encounter in six years.

30 Oct 2025 - 11:02PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave a bilateral meeting in South Korea on Thursday. With many deals already finalised ahead of the meeting, the two leaders had plenty of space for cordiality. Photo: Reuters

US-China trade war

‘Positive step’: cautious relief as China resumes US soybean purchases

Farmers call the development ‘encouraging,’ but hope for lasting truce ahead of Xi-Trump talks.

30 Oct 2025 - 10:03AMvideocam

A soybean field in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo: AP

China economy

Xi readies China for endless tech war ahead of Trump meeting

Technological self-reliance was a key focus of recommendations for China’s 15th five-year plan issued as Xi Jinping and Donald Trump prepare to meet on Thursday.

29 Oct 2025 - 5:16PM

US-China trade war

Chinese vice-premier vows further opening up of financial sector

More foreign investment welcome, He Lifeng tells members of National Financial Regulatory Administration’s International Advisory Council.

29 Oct 2025 - 5:39PM

Asean

Editorial | Caught between China and the US, Asean could act as a go-between

The East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the challenging position Southeast Asian nations find themselves in as superpower rivalry intensifies.

29 Oct 2025 - 7:15AM

A screen focuses on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 20th East Asia Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, on October 27. Photo: EPA

US-China trade war

Why Trump’s unpredictability and inconsistency could hamper meeting with Xi

US president’s erratic style of diplomacy and lack of strategy or focus may leave Beijing baffled, say analysts and former officials.

29 Oct 2025 - 6:15AMvideocam

US-China trade war

‘Partnership, not pressure’, US soybean farmers urge Trump before Xi talks

US farmers say Trump administration must tone down name-calling and aggressive tactics if they are to secure a lasting soy deal with China.

28 Oct 2025 - 12:45PMvideocam

US-China trade war

US-China trade deal in sight ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Talks in Malaysia have paved the way for an accord at a presidential summit this week, with potential agreements in areas including rare earths, soybeans and tariffs.

27 Oct 2025 - 5:03PM

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rise as China-US trade progress boosts sentiment

Preliminary deal made in Kuala Lumpur raises hopes for stabilisation in the trade relationship between the world’s top two economies.

27 Oct 2025 - 4:37PM

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng poses for a photo with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 25, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

US-China trade war

How will Trump’s ‘fantastic deal’ unfold, mulls US-China Business Council’s head

Negotiations in Malaysia suggest both sides are positioning for a potential meeting, but substantial policy shifts remain uncertain.

27 Oct 2025 - 2:12PM

US-China trade war

China, US agree to preliminary deal in Malaysia ahead of possible Xi-Trump talks

The US position has been ‘tough’, whereas China has been ‘firm’ in defending its own interests and rights, says Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang.

26 Oct 2025 - 10:08PM

134

US-China trade war

Singapore, China pledge to fight for free trade as Li Qiang visits city state

The premier’s trip to Singapore is the first by a Chinese leader since 2018 and comes amid renewed China-US trade volatility.

26 Oct 2025 - 9:27PM

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (right) holds a welcome ceremony for Chinese Premier Li Qiang (left) before their talks in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

US-China relations

Trump targets ‘complete deal’ with China when he meets Xi

The US president said he may also discuss a decline in Chinese purchases of Russian oil, as he seeks to pressure Moscow on Ukraine.

26 Oct 2025 - 6:06AMvideocam

US President Donald Trump chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in November 2017. Photo: AP

US-China trade war

Chinese envoy calls for ‘shared prosperity’ as possible Xi-Trump summit approaches

China’s ambassador in Washington frames expected meeting as an opportunity for cooperation rather than confrontation.

25 Oct 2025 - 2:37PM

US-China trade war

China, US trade talks start in Kuala Lumpur ahead of possible Xi-Trump summit

Key trade negotiator Li Chenggang is among the officials in the Malaysian capital seeking to ease tensions on issues from tariffs to rare earths.

25 Oct 2025 - 9:00PM

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He Lifeng

China’s Hainan launches separate customs regime allowing tariff-free imports

Most goods can enter Hainan with zero import duties under the new system, as China looks to turn the island into a strategic buffer zone.

Surviving the shocks: what China and the US learned from 2025’s trade war

Beijing digs in for trade ‘struggles’, eyes strategy of growth and resilience

China’s vice-premier has ‘constructive’ call with US officials Bessent and Greer

Both sides agree to promote the development of bilateral trade ties to ‘expand the list for cooperation and shorten the list of problems’.

Chinese vice-premier urges manufacturing upgrades, trade diversification

He Lifeng highlights importance of technological innovation and a unified domestic market to support sustainable economic growth amid external uncertainties.

Germany courts China as rare earths stoke economic woes

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil sought assurances on rare earth supplies from China in a bid to ease one of the challenges weighing down Germany’s sluggish economy.

‘We need stability’: China and Germany strive to reset trade ties in Beijing

German finance minister’s trip follows a tense period for China-Europe relations, with Berlin gripped by supply chain anxieties.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | China needs high-quality financial development to support its five-year goals

Inclusive and green finance that is risk-resilient and supportive of innovation and technology must be the foundation of the new Chinese development model.

Editorial | AIIB office and fintech strategy a boost to Hong Kong’s ambitions

Beijing is offering robust support for Hong Kong’s effort to remain a top international financial centre and embrace fintech.

Editorial | Beijing’s full backing for Hong Kong on display at finance summit

Hong Kong has a role to play in global financial governance.

‘Superconnector’ Hong Kong gets boost from Beijing

China is ramping up support for Hong Kong’s finance sector as it develop the city’s role as a link between the mainland and global markets.

China, US must take action after Xi-Trump summit, avoid ‘new disruptions’: envoy

Ambassador Xie Feng says most pressing task is to follow up trade progress made in Malaysia with results to ensure stable ties.

China touts Hong Kong’s role in global finance, stability at summit

Beijing’s commitment aims to solidify Hong Kong’s status as key link between mainland markets and international financial system amid shifting economic landscapes.

‘Amazing’ praise: Xi and Trump thaw summit ice with loads of warmth

Amid a bruising trade war, the two leaders rekindle friendly tone ahead of their first face-to-face encounter in six years.

‘Positive step’: cautious relief as China resumes US soybean purchases

Farmers call the development ‘encouraging,’ but hope for lasting truce ahead of Xi-Trump talks.

Xi readies China for endless tech war ahead of Trump meeting

Technological self-reliance was a key focus of recommendations for China’s 15th five-year plan issued as Xi Jinping and Donald Trump prepare to meet on Thursday.

Chinese vice-premier vows further opening up of financial sector

More foreign investment welcome, He Lifeng tells members of National Financial Regulatory Administration’s International Advisory Council.

Editorial | Caught between China and the US, Asean could act as a go-between

The East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the challenging position Southeast Asian nations find themselves in as superpower rivalry intensifies.

Why Trump’s unpredictability and inconsistency could hamper meeting with Xi

US president’s erratic style of diplomacy and lack of strategy or focus may leave Beijing baffled, say analysts and former officials.

‘Partnership, not pressure’, US soybean farmers urge Trump before Xi talks

US farmers say Trump administration must tone down name-calling and aggressive tactics if they are to secure a lasting soy deal with China.

US-China trade deal in sight ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Talks in Malaysia have paved the way for an accord at a presidential summit this week, with potential agreements in areas including rare earths, soybeans and tariffs.

Hong Kong stocks rise as China-US trade progress boosts sentiment

Preliminary deal made in Kuala Lumpur raises hopes for stabilisation in the trade relationship between the world’s top two economies.

How will Trump’s ‘fantastic deal’ unfold, mulls US-China Business Council’s head

Negotiations in Malaysia suggest both sides are positioning for a potential meeting, but substantial policy shifts remain uncertain.

China, US agree to preliminary deal in Malaysia ahead of possible Xi-Trump talks

The US position has been ‘tough’, whereas China has been ‘firm’ in defending its own interests and rights, says Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang.

Singapore, China pledge to fight for free trade as Li Qiang visits city state

The premier’s trip to Singapore is the first by a Chinese leader since 2018 and comes amid renewed China-US trade volatility.

Trump targets ‘complete deal’ with China when he meets Xi

The US president said he may also discuss a decline in Chinese purchases of Russian oil, as he seeks to pressure Moscow on Ukraine.

Chinese envoy calls for ‘shared prosperity’ as possible Xi-Trump summit approaches

China’s ambassador in Washington frames expected meeting as an opportunity for cooperation rather than confrontation.

China, US trade talks start in Kuala Lumpur ahead of possible Xi-Trump summit

Key trade negotiator Li Chenggang is among the officials in the Malaysian capital seeking to ease tensions on issues from tariffs to rare earths.

Opinion | China needs high-quality financial development to support its five-year goals