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Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng pushed back against criticism of his country’s trade practices during a Tuesday address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, offering potential market access to tackle trade imbalances. He, who handles economic policy and trade negotiations for China, spoke to business executives and political figures gathered in Switzerland, attempting to calm worries about the flood of goods coming from the manufacturing giant. Last year, China recorded a $1.2 trillion trade surplus, as reported by Cryptopolitan earlier. Yet, He insisted his country views itself as a commercial partner rather than a competitor. “We never seek a trade surplus,” He told the audience as reported by Bloomberg. “On top of being the world’s factory, we hope to be the world’s market too.” The vice premier’s message stood in stark opposition to recent warnings from Donald Trump, who threatened severe tariffs on French wine after President Emmanuel Macron declined to support his peace proposal. He painted China as a supporter of cooperation, open trade and working together internationally, repeating arguments Beijing frequently makes. “The world must not return to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak,” he stated. “China’s development presents an opportunity, not a threat to the world economy.” Fragile peace holds between economic powers He was among the Chinese officials who participated in discussions with the United States last year aimed at reducing friction after Trump launched a tariff battle. The negotiations with the American team, headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, resulted in a temporary agreement last October following five rounds of talks. The one-year deal has lowered tensions between the two largest economies globally, though Trump’s recent moves in nations friendly with China, including Venezuela and Iran, could challenge the delicate truce. For now,…

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Filed under: News - @ January 20, 2026 4:30 pm