Xi Jinping urges EU to resist US tariffs amid growing trade tensions

Chinese president calls for unity with Europe against Trump’s unilateral trade measures.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (left) talk as they walk through the gardens of the Diaoyutai Guest House following a meeting in Beijing on April 11, 2025. Photo by Andres Martinez Casares/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Chinese President Xi Jinping urges the EU to resist US tariffs, calling on the European Union to unite with Beijing against what he described as “unilateral bullying” by the United States. His comments, delivered during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday, underscore China’s desire to form stronger alliances as it faces mounting economic pressure from Washington.

As reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi used his meeting with Sanchez to highlight the importance of solidarity between China and Europe in the face of U.S. trade aggression. Xi stressed that only through cooperation could both sides defend their legitimate interests and uphold international norms.

“China and Europe should fulfil their international responsibilities and jointly resist unilateral bullying practices,” Xi said, in a direct reference to the sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. “This approach not only protects our own rights but also promotes global fairness and justice.”

The meeting with Sanchez marked another step in Beijing’s diplomatic push to secure European support in its ongoing trade war with the United States. Xi's comments come at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing remain deeply strained, with tariffs affecting billions of dollars in trade across various industries.

Spain, like much of the EU, maintains a large trade deficit with China. It imports around 45 billion euros ($49.1 billion) in goods annually from Beijing, while exporting just 7.4 billion euros' worth. Sanchez acknowledged this imbalance during a joint press conference with Xi, but emphasized the importance of continued dialogue.

“Both Spain and Europe have a significant trade deficit with China that we must work to rectify,” Sanchez said. “However, we must not allow trade tensions to prevent progress in other areas of cooperation.”

Xi’s appeal to the EU reflects a broader shift in China’s foreign policy — one aimed at building stronger partnerships with key global players outside of the U.S. sphere of influence. As Washington continues to impose restrictive measures, including tariffs and investment bans, Beijing has looked to Brussels and other European capitals for diplomatic and economic support.

By stressing shared responsibilities, Xi hopes to frame the EU as a strategic partner that can help counterbalance American dominance in global trade policy. His rhetoric also aligns with previous efforts to promote multilateralism, a concept that China has increasingly embraced in recent years.

The European Union, for its part, has taken a cautious approach. While some member states are wary of deepening ties with China — particularly in the areas of technology and critical infrastructure — there is a growing recognition that maintaining constructive engagement with Beijing is essential for global stability.

During his visit, Xi also hinted at deeper collaboration with Europe on climate change, digital governance, and international development. These shared challenges, he argued, require a joint response that transcends individual national interests.

“This is a time for unity, not division,” Xi said. “China and Europe must work together to ensure a stable, open, and fair global economic environment.”

Despite the optimistic tone, some analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of a robust EU-China alliance. Differences over human rights, market access, and Beijing’s growing assertiveness in global affairs continue to cloud relations.

Nevertheless, Xi’s call for unity may find a receptive audience in parts of Europe that have grown increasingly frustrated with the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under Trump. Several European leaders have publicly criticized the tariffs as harmful not just to China, but to the global economy as a whole.

The latest round of tariffs from Washington has affected goods ranging from electronics to agricultural products, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing and increasing tensions on the global stage. As both China and the U.S. dig in for a prolonged economic standoff, other countries — including those in Europe — are being pulled into the fray.

For Beijing, securing even modest support from the EU could serve as a valuable counterweight to American pressure. And for Europe, closer ties with China may present both economic opportunities and diplomatic challenges.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Friday’s meeting between Xi and Sanchez serves as a timely reminder of the growing complexity of international trade relationships. Whether Xi’s plea for solidarity will lead to lasting policy shifts in Brussels remains to be seen. But what is clear is that the battle lines of global commerce are being redrawn — and no region can afford to stay on the sidelines.

Xi Jinping urges EU to resist US tariffs not only as a call to defend mutual interests but as an invitation to reimagine global alliances. The success of this outreach depends not only on China’s diplomatic finesse but also on Europe’s ability to navigate an increasingly polarized world economy.

Share