Chinese Vice Premier Stresses Economic Stability with Former US Official
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Stephen Hadley, former U.S. National Security Advisor, in Beijing on Friday, November 21, 2025. During their discussions, Vice Premier He underscored the paramount importance of maintaining stable economic and trade relations between China and the United States, describing economic and trade cooperation as the 'ballast and propeller' of the bilateral relationship.
Call for Sustained Economic Cooperation
He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the extensive common interests and broad scope for cooperation that exist between the two global powers. He reiterated that robust economic and trade ties are crucial for the overall stability and development of China-U.S. relations.
Building on Recent High-Level Engagements
The meeting took place in the context of recent diplomatic efforts, with Vice Premier He noting that a successful meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States in Busan, Republic of Korea, had provided clear direction for the future development of bilateral economic and trade relations. This earlier meeting, held on October 30, 2025, aimed to de-escalate trade tensions and address contentious issues. He Lifeng also briefed Hadley on the outcomes of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.
Hadley Affirms Significance of Stable Relations
Stephen Hadley, who served as National Security Advisor from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush, acknowledged the significance of the recent high-level discussions. Currently serving as the Executive Vice Chair of the Atlantic Council's Board of Directors, Hadley spoke highly of the outcomes from the meeting between the two heads of state. He emphasized the great importance of stability in U.S.-China relations and expressed his willingness to continue promoting exchanges and dialogue between the two countries. Vice Premier He also voiced his hope that the Atlantic Council would play a constructive role in fostering the stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
6 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Maintaining stable economic ties is crucial for the global economy, yet the US must also address intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices that underpin China's economic rise. A true balance is needed.
Fuerza
It's positive to see high-level engagement attempting to de-escalate tensions, but a former advisor's influence is limited, and the underlying power imbalances between the two nations remain a significant challenge. Real policy changes are needed.
Manolo Noriega
The call for economic stability is understandable given the global implications, however, the US needs to ensure that this stability doesn't come at the cost of its own technological independence and national security interests. It's a delicate balance to strike.
Ongania
Dialogue is essential for peace. Great to see this progress!
Fuerza
While dialogue with China is always preferable to confrontation, the focus on 'stability' shouldn't overshadow the need to hold Beijing accountable on human rights and geopolitical issues. Economic cooperation can't be the sole driver.
ZmeeLove
Reducing tensions is always a win. Hope it lasts.