Beijing, May 12, 2025 — The Europe Today: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Sunday emphasized the need for China and the United States to find appropriate solutions to existing issues and expand the scope of bilateral cooperation, during a high-level economic and trade meeting held over the weekend.
Vice Premier He, who serves as China’s lead official for economic and trade affairs with the United States, held in-depth discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks focused on implementing the significant consensus reached by the presidents of the two countries during their January 17 meeting.
In what was described as a candid and constructive dialogue, both sides reached a series of major consensuses aimed at fostering mutual understanding and addressing key challenges in the economic and trade relationship.
He Lifeng noted that China and the United States share broad common interests and possess vast potential for cooperation, underscoring that the economic and trade relationship between the two major economies is inherently mutually beneficial and contributes to global economic stability.
Recognizing the different development stages and economic systems of the two nations, the Vice Premier said it is natural for differences and frictions to emerge. However, he stressed that such issues should be managed in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, in line with the strategic guidance set by the two heads of state.
“There are no winners in a trade war,” He Lifeng stated firmly. “China does not seek a trade war, but it is not afraid of one. If the U.S. side insists on infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, China will respond resolutely.”
He highlighted that the stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade ties aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, and serves the broader objective of promoting global economic growth.
In a forward-looking statement, He Lifeng urged both sides to unlock further cooperative potential, expand their collaborative agenda, and “make the pie of cooperation bigger” to ensure continued positive momentum in bilateral economic and trade relations. He said doing so would contribute to greater stability and predictability in the global economy.
As a concrete outcome of the meeting, both sides agreed to establish a regular consultation mechanism on economic and trade matters. This platform will facilitate ongoing communication and serve as a channel for addressing each side’s concerns in a constructive and timely manner.
