Xi urges EU to join hands to counter Trump’s 'unilateral tariff bullying'
Xi Jinping calls on the European Union to jointly oppose US tariff hikes, stresses cooperation and international fairness in talks with Spanish PM Sanchez
Chinese President Xi Jinping has slammed what he called "unilateral bullying" by the United States, following American counterpart Donald Trump's dramatic escalation of tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145 per cent.
Xi’s first response to the US tariffs came during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, where he urged the European Union to stand with China in resisting Washington’s trade tactics.
According to Chinese state media, Xinhua, Xi stressed the importance of China and Europe in defending international fairness and justice, not only for their own benefit but for the global economy.
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Xi’s global call
“China and Europe should fulfill their international responsibilities… and jointly resist unilateral bullying practices,” Xi said, in remarks reported by AFP.
The Chinese leader emphasised the need for the EU and China to work together to protect legitimate rights and interests against protectionist pressures.
Spain stresses balance
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez noted the growing trade imbalance between China and Europe, stating, “Both Spain and Europe have a significant trade deficit with China that we must work to rectify.”
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However, he maintained that trade tensions must not derail cooperation, particularly on issues of mutual growth.
US-China trade clash
Since taking office, Trump has hiked tariffs on Chinese goods five times, culminating in the 145 per cent duty.
What began with a 10 per cent levy snowballed through retaliatory actions from both sides.
The latest round of tariffs also factors in an earlier 20 per cent levy imposed by the US over Beijing’s alleged involvement in fentanyl trafficking, further intensifying the trade standoff.
China has matched most of the US tariff hikes, with its own cumulative rate now standing at 84 per cent.
The spiralling trade war has effectively halted negotiations, with Trump declaring talks “terminated” after China’s retaliations.
Global stakes
The escalating tariff war is threatening global trade stability, and Xi’s diplomatic push suggests China is now seeking allies in Europe to present a united front against US protectionism.
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As both blocs face economic headwinds, their response could reshape the future of international trade dynamics.