China has cautioned the United States against adopting unilateral trade restrictions, warning that such actions could lead to international isolation. This message was delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing.
The warning comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two global powers. The US, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has recently imposed a total of 145% in tariffs on Chinese goods. In response, China has raised its tariffs on American products to 125%.
President Xi stressed that a tariff war benefits no one and that isolating oneself from the global community is counterproductive. He also urged China and the European Union to work together in opposing unilateral trade actions, with the aim of protecting shared interests and preserving the international order.
The EU, which has been hit with a 20% tariff by the US, has voiced concerns about the broader economic implications of the ongoing trade conflict and has pledged to respond with appropriate measures. However, there has been a temporary pause in hostilities; earlier this week, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for several key trading partners, including the EU, to allow time for negotiations.
In the meantime, the EU has been pursuing a “de-risking” strategy in its trade relationship with China. This approach seeks to manage risks through measures like tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles while continuing to engage in economic cooperation.
President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to stability and self-sufficiency despite the shifting global landscape. He highlighted the nation’s long-standing tradition of overcoming challenges through resilience and hard work, rather than relying on external support.
President Trump has defended the heightened tariffs, claiming they are necessary to correct trade imbalances and protect American interests. He also suggested that China would eventually be compelled to reach a deal due to the mounting pressure.
China, on the other hand, has condemned the US actions, labelling the steep tariffs as coercive and a breach of international trade norms. Beijing argued that the US measures not only violate established rules but also defy basic economic logic.
The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, the world’s two largest economies has rattled global markets, driven oil prices to their lowest in four years, and raised alarms about the stability of international supply chains.
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