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Beijing – As global trade tensions escalate, China has called on the European Union to unite against what it describes as “unilateral bullying” by the United States. This comes in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on EU goods, the latter of which has been temporarily suspended after the bloc retaliated.
Chinese President Xi Jinping made the appeal during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing. Xi emphasized the importance of China and Europe working together to confront Washington’s growing protectionism, adding that such cooperation is necessary to safeguard their shared interests and uphold international justice.
“China and Europe should fulfill their international responsibilities and jointly resist unilateral bullying practices,” Xi said. “This will safeguard not only our legitimate rights and interests, but also international fairness.”
Sánchez acknowledged the EU’s trade deficit with China—Spain alone imports about $50 billion annually—but said tensions should not obstruct future collaboration. “We must not let trade tensions stand in the way of the potential growth in our relationships,” he said.
China’s response to Washington has become increasingly assertive. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that while China prefers diplomacy, it is prepared to respond decisively if needed. “Trade wars have no winners,” Lin said. “China does not want to fight these wars, but it is not scared. If the U.S. insists on a tariff and trade war, China’s response will continue to the end.”
Shortly after, state-run media reported Beijing had announced another tit-for-tat move—raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Earlier this week, China’s Commerce Ministry urged the U.S. to meet it halfway and warned that continued tariffs could severely impact the global economy. Ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said China remained open to dialogue based on “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
Trump’s tariffs have roiled global markets, with China bearing the brunt. The current 145% levy includes a 20% tariff imposed over Beijing’s alleged role in the global fentanyl trade. These measures exclude additional tariffs already in place on steel, aluminum, and auto parts.
The trade war has also pushed Beijing to seek unexpected alliances. China recently extended an olive branch to India, calling for cooperation in the face of U.S. tariff aggression. The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi stated, “China-India economic and trade relationship is based on mutual benefits. Facing the U.S.’ abuse of tariffs, the largest developing countries should stand together.”
President Xi echoed that sentiment in a message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month, urging the two nations to work in tandem. While India has not directly responded, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that the relationship with China is “moving in a positive direction.”
Unlike China, India has chosen not to retaliate against U.S. tariffs. Trump announced a 26% tariff—on top of an existing 10%—on some Indian goods, including steel, with potential for more on pharmaceuticals. India exported nearly $90 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2024, and sectors like seafood and auto parts are expected to be hit hard, with projected losses of up to $5.76 billion this year.
However, India is taking a different approach. A government official told Reuters that Delhi will instead seek relief under a trade clause that offers reprieve to countries working to improve non-reciprocal arrangements. Sources say India is open to cutting some existing tariffs to find common ground with Washington.
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