Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his country’s resolve in the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States, announcing a 125% tariff hike on US goods just days after Trump raised tariffs on China to 145%. Beijing says it will not engage in further escalation, but has plenty of options to counter US moves.
In a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi called for cooperation and stressed that “there are no winners in a trade war.” He also extended an olive branch to the European Union, calling it an “important pole in a multipolar world” and vowing to work together on global issues. China’s relations with its neighbors have been strengthened, according to official statements.
The latest tariff hike has sparked concerns over a global recession, but Xi has launched a week of high-stakes diplomacy to push back against US trade aggression. Beijing appears to be capitalizing on the turmoil to deepen ties with nations in Asia and Europe, casting itself as a reliable partner and defender of global trade.
As the world’s two largest economies engage in a tit-for-tat battle, China is taking a different approach. By focusing on diplomatic outreach and strengthening relationships with neighboring countries, Beijing aims to counter US influence and promote its own economic interests. The outcome remains uncertain, but Xi’s message suggests that China is committed to maintaining its own path, even in the face of global uncertainty.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/11/business/china-xi-jinping-first-comment-trade-war-us-intl-hnk/index.html