Xi Urges EU to Unite Against US Tariffs, Calls for Global Cooperation

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the European Union to join hands with China in resisting what he described as the United States’ “unilateral bullying.” Speaking during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi underlined China’s readiness to collaborate with the EU to uphold the principles of multilateralism, economic globalisation, and a rules-based international order.
“There is no winner in a tariff war,” Xi warned. “Going against the world will only result in self-isolation.” These were Xi’s first public remarks following US President Donald Trump’s dramatic escalation of tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent, while selectively pausing similar levies on other nations, including the EU and India, for 90 days. Trump’s move, widely viewed as an attempt to divide global trading partners, left China as the primary target of an increasingly aggressive American trade agenda.
Reaffirming China’s firm stance, Xi said, “China and the EU are both major economies and firm supporters of economic globalisation and free trade. Our cooperation not only protects our legitimate rights and interests but also ensures the stability and fairness of the global economic order.” He emphasised that China has never relied on the mercy of others and has always achieved progress through self-reliance and hard work. “We do not fear unreasonable suppression,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of China-EU relations, Xi noted that the combined economic output of both powers exceeds one-third of the global total, stressing that their interconnected interests must not be undermined by external forces.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed Xi’s call, praising China as a key partner of the European Union. “The EU is committed to open and free trade, upholding multilateralism, and opposing unilateral tariff hikes,” Sanchez said. His remarks reinforced growing alignment between Beijing and key European capitals on preserving global economic stability through dialogue and cooperation.
In response to Trump’s tariff escalation, China raised its own tariffs on US goods from 84 per cent to 125 per cent in a measured and reciprocal move. Chinese authorities have emphasised that the country is defending its legitimate interests and responding proportionately to American provocation. Beijing also made it clear that it remains open to dialogue and negotiation — but will not hesitate to act when unjustly targeted.
Despite being diplomatically caught off guard by Trump’s temporary tariff exemptions for the EU, China continues to count on its deep ties with European partners. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a recent phone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, expressed confidence in China’s economic resilience. “We believe China has enough policy tools in reserve and is fully capable of countering external shocks,” she said.
To further strengthen its global partnerships, President Xi is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18. The visit aims to deepen trade, infrastructure, and supply chain cooperation in Southeast Asia — a strategic region that China views as central to its efforts to stabilise economic flows amid US pressure.