Xi Jinping Calls for China-EU Unity Against Unilateral Tariff Measures
BEIJING, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stronger cooperation between China and the European Union in defending globalization and resisting unilateral trade actions, during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday.
Though Xi did not directly reference the United States, his remarks came in response to escalating global trade tensions spurred by recent U.S. tariff increases.
China and EU Pushed to Oppose ‘Bullying’ Tariff Policies
Xi stressed the importance of maintaining a stable global economic environment and encouraged a united front with Europe to counter protectionist practices.
“There are no winners in a tariff war,” Xi stated, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. He added that both China and the EU “should jointly safeguard the trend of economic globalization and the international trade environment.”
The remarks come shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension on most of the newly imposed tariffs on dozens of countries, including those in the EU. However, tariffs on Chinese imports were increased to over 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% duties on U.S. goods.
Spain Seeks Balanced EU-China Relationship
Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized the need for dialogue between the U.S. and China and urged the European Commission to take full advantage of the 90-day negotiation window.
“Trade wars aren’t good — the world needs China and the U.S. to talk,” Sanchez said, while also advocating for a more balanced economic relationship between the EU and China.
He noted concerns over the EU’s trade deficit with China, which exceeded $300 billion last year. Despite U.S. warnings against deepening ties with Beijing, Spanish officials maintain that China offers opportunities for constructive engagement and investment.
Bilateral Agreements and Investment Priorities
Sanchez’s visit, his third to China in recent years, included the signing of several bilateral agreements covering:
- Scientific and technological collaboration
- Education and cultural exchanges
- Film industry partnerships
- Agricultural exports including pork and cherries
Xi expressed support for expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, high-tech manufacturing, and smart urban development.
Chinese Investment Seen as Key to EU’s Tech Competitiveness
China continues to invest heavily in European industries, particularly in advanced technologies like electric vehicles, hydrogen energy, and battery production — areas where EU countries aim to catch up.
The EU characterizes China as a “partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival,” balancing engagement with caution. Xi’s remarks indicate a continued strategic effort to align China more closely with the EU amid rising global trade uncertainty.
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