Li Qiang on United States
TL;DR
Li Qiang prioritizes stable economic engagement with the United States while navigating ongoing strategic competition.
Key Points
China's parliament approved economic plans in March 2026 amid recognized growing rivalry with the US.
Officials stressed in September 2025 the need for both sides to manage differences constructively.
Consular offices promoted exchanges in March 2025, suggesting a local level effort to maintain ties.
Summary
Li Qiang's approach to the United States centers on maintaining necessary economic stability for China's domestic agenda, even amid broader geopolitical friction. As Premier, he has emphasized that cooperation remains essential for global economic health and managing the risks posed by sustained rivalry. This stance is frequently underscored by official statements from the Foreign Ministry, which stress the need for both nations to manage differences constructively while exploring areas of mutual interest, particularly concerning trade and climate, echoing his leadership role in economic governance.
This measured posture reflects the need to balance internal economic priorities, such as meeting growth targets set during key political meetings, against Washington's persistent policy actions. While the government under his premiership sets its economic blueprint against the backdrop of growing US rivalry, the focus remains on ensuring supply chains and international investment flows are not unduly disrupted. His role appears to be one of practical management, seeking functional relations where possible without compromising core national interests.
Key Quotes
China-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world and that the two countries could and should become partners and friends.
History has proven that both China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out, the broad Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and the United States, as well as other countries, Li said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang's primary focus regarding the United States is on managing the economic relationship to ensure stability for China's development. He prioritizes maintaining channels for cooperation where possible, especially concerning trade and global finance. This must occur while navigating the underlying strategic competition between the two nations.
Li Qiang generally presents a unified, pragmatic front consistent with the central government's policy, which seeks both cooperation and competition. His public statements emphasize economic necessity over outright confrontation. The tone adopted by Chinese official channels he represents suggests a desire to manage friction rather than escalate it.
In March 2026, China's parliamentary meetings acknowledged the growing rivalry with the US when approving key policy plans. His government frames the current geopolitical atmosphere as a backdrop against which China must pursue its domestic economic objectives. The emphasis remains on constructive management of the complex bilateral relationship.
Sources9
China’s Li Qiang: The economy is the main priority
Wang Yi: China and the US should properly manage competition and coexist peacefully
Two Sessions 2026: China lays out its economic agenda in press conference
China parliament to approve growth policy plans amid growing US rivalry
China's Embassy in the US: Latest News
China Consul General in Chicago Hosts Lunar New Year Reception
China sets 2025 GDP growth target at around 5%
China economic growth target set below 5% for the first time at key meeting
China sets lowest economic growth target in 35 years
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.