TL;DR
Li Qiang states that the increasing use of tariffs globally has inflicted a severe blow upon the world economy.
Key Points
He stated in December 2025 that the mutually destructive consequences of tariffs have become increasingly evident throughout that year.
His comments came as China's trade surplus in dollar terms for 2025 exceeded $1 trillion as of November.
He emphasized the need to uphold free trade, making the statement during a forum that included the heads of the IMF and World Bank.
Summary
Li Qiang, China's premier, has strongly criticized the growing use of tariffs worldwide, asserting that these restrictive trade measures have delivered a severe blow to the global economy. He made these remarks while noting that China's trade surplus had surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in November 2025, a consequence economists link to tariffs diverting shipments to other markets. The premier called for greater effort to reform global economic governance, emphasizing that the damaging consequences of tariffs are becoming increasingly evident to all parties involved, thereby strengthening calls for upholding free trade.
He addressed the issue while hosting a dialogue including heads of major international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization in Beijing. Although not explicitly naming the United States president responsible for many of the hikes, his comments occurred amid ongoing trade friction, even after a truce was agreed upon by the two nations’ leaders in late October. He linked the need for trade cooperation to China's focus on technological innovation and building a more stable domestic economy amidst global volatility.
Key Quotes
... the damaging consequences of tariffs hurting both others and oneself have become increasingly evident, and calls from all sides to uphold free trade have grown ever stronger
multilateralism and free trade are under severe threat
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang views the increasing use of tariffs worldwide negatively, stating they have dealt a severe blow to the global economy. He advocates for upholding free trade principles in response to rising restrictive measures imposed by various nations.
While the premier discussed the damaging effects of tariffs, he did not specifically name the US president responsible for the hikes in his December 2025 remarks. However, the context strongly implied tensions arising from those specific trade actions.
The premier suggested that there is a growing consensus from international bodies, like the WTO and IMF, to uphold free trade. He also called for greater effort to reform global economic governance to counter these trade barriers.
Sources5
China's Li says tariff consequences increasingly evident
China's Li says tariff consequences increasingly evident
Chinese premier cites damage from US tariffs, as China's surplus surpasses $1 trillion
Tariffs damaging the world economy, China's premier says | AP News
China takes 'high stakes' tech race up a notch with US as economic imbalances worsen
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.