China Urges E.U. to Unite Against Trump’s Tariff Policies

In a bid to counter escalating trade pressures, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on European Union (E.U.) nations to join forces with Beijing to resist what he described as “unilateral bullying” stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The appeal came during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, highlighting China’s growing concern over its trade disputes with the United States.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and the E.U. to navigate the challenges posed by Washington’s trade measures. The Chinese leader framed the issue as not only a matter of protecting economic interests but also upholding “international fairness and justice.” His remarks reflect Beijing’s broader strategy to rally international support amid a deepening trade war with the U.S.

Xi’s plea follows a similar overture to Australia, which was rebuffed just a day earlier, signaling the difficulties China faces in building a united front against U.S. tariffs. The Trump administration has reintroduced and expanded tariffs on Chinese goods, citing unfair trade practices and the need to protect American industries. These measures have prompted retaliatory tariffs from China, further straining bilateral relations and raising concerns about global economic stability.

During his discussions with Sanchez, Xi underscored the shared responsibility of China and Europe to resist what he called “unilateral” actions that disrupt global trade. “China and Europe should work together to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests,” Xi was quoted as saying by AFP. He argued that such cooperation would strengthen the international trade system and promote mutual prosperity.

Sanchez, representing Spain—a key E.U. member—acknowledged the trade imbalances between his country and China. Spain imports approximately 45 billion euros ($49.1 billion) worth of goods annually from China, its fourth-largest trading partner, while exporting only about 7.4 billion euros in return. This significant trade deficit has been a point of contention for Spain and other E.U. nations, which seek more balanced economic relationships with Beijing.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Sanchez stressed the need to address these disparities but cautioned against letting trade tensions derail broader cooperation. “Spain and Europe must work to rectify the trade deficit with China,” he said, according to AFP. “However, we cannot allow these challenges to hinder the potential for growth in our relationship with China, both bilaterally and within the E.U. framework.”

The E.U. finds itself in a delicate position as it navigates its relationships with both the U.S. and China. While the bloc has its own concerns about China’s trade practices—including market access restrictions and subsidies for state-owned enterprises—it also faces pressure from U.S. tariffs that affect European goods. This complex dynamic has led to calls within the E.U. for a strategic approach that balances economic interests with geopolitical considerations.

China’s outreach to the E.U. comes at a time of heightened global trade uncertainty. Trump’s tariffs, which target a wide range of Chinese products, are part of a broader “America First” policy aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and bolstering domestic manufacturing. Critics argue that these measures risk disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for consumers, while supporters contend they are necessary to level the playing field for American businesses.

Beijing, meanwhile, has responded with tit-for-tat tariffs, escalating tensions and prompting warnings from international organizations like the World Trade Organization about the potential for a broader trade conflict. The Chinese government has sought to position itself as a defender of free trade, contrasting its stance with what it portrays as U.S. protectionism. Xi’s appeal to the E.U. is part of this narrative, framing China as a partner in maintaining an open global economy.

Spain’s role in these discussions is significant, given its status as one of the E.U.’s major economies and its growing trade ties with China. Sanchez’s visit to Beijing underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing trade imbalances and fostering cooperation on issues like climate change, technology, and global health. However, the Spanish prime minister’s cautious tone suggests that any alignment with China will be carefully weighed against the E.U.’s broader interests.

The E.U. as a whole has yet to respond formally to Xi’s call for unity against U.S. tariffs. Member states are divided on how to approach the issue, with some favoring closer ties with China to offset U.S. pressures and others wary of antagonizing Washington. The European Commission, which handles trade policy for the bloc, has emphasized the need for a unified strategy that protects E.U. industries while promoting fair trade practices globally.

As trade tensions continue to simmer, the outcome of China’s diplomatic efforts remains uncertain. The rejection of a similar proposal by Australia highlights the challenges Beijing faces in convincing other nations to openly challenge U.S. policies. For the E.U., the decision will likely hinge on balancing economic pragmatism with its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

For now, Xi’s meeting with Sanchez serves as a reminder of the high stakes in the global trade arena. As the U.S., China, and the E.U. navigate their competing interests, the world watches closely to see whether cooperation or confrontation will define the future of international commerce.