Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) to defend globalisation and resist “unilateral acts of bullying,” in a clear reference to US tariff policies.
Xi made these remarks during talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, amid rising tensions between China and the United States over trade.
“China and the EU should fulfil their international responsibilities, jointly safeguard the trend of economic globalisation and the international trade environment, and jointly oppose unilateral acts of bullying,” Xi told Sanchez, as per Xinhua News Agency.
Xi pushes multilateralism amid tariff tensions
Xi’s comments follow recent moves by the US President Donald Trump, who imposed sweeping tariffs on several countries, including the EU, before announcing a temporary 90-day reduction for most, but excluding China.
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The US duties on Chinese goods have now surged to over 145%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs up to 125% on American imports.
While Xi did not directly mention the US or Trump, he warned, “There are no winners in a tariff war,” highlighting the global risks posed by trade conflicts, as per The Associated Press. His remarks come as China seeks to rally support from European partners to counterbalance the growing pressure from Washington.
Spain seeks balance in China-EU ties
PM Sanchez on his third visit to China in as many years, emphasised the need for dialogue, stating, “Trade wars are not good, nobody wins. And this is clear, the world needs both China and the United States to talk,” reported Reuters.
Sanchez also called for “more balanced relations between the EU and China… and greater cooperation in areas of common interest,” as per AP.
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Spanish officials aim to deepen economic ties with China, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing. During the visit, the two countries signed agreements related to science, education, agriculture, including protocols on pork and cherry exports, as per Reuters.
US criticism
Spain has been increasingly open to Chinese investments, especially in energy and advanced technology. Notable recent projects include a €4.1-billion joint venture between China’s CATL and Stellantis to establish a battery plant in northern Spain, reported AP.
Despite criticism from US officials, with one even calling the closer ties with China as Spain “cutting its own throat,” Spain continues to pursue diversification of trade relations. “Expanding the trade relations, with a partner as important as China, does not go against anyone,” Spainish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas was quoted as saying by AP.
As the EU faces internal divisions on a China policy, Sanchez’s diplomatic engagement unequivocally pointed to Spain carving out its voice within the bloc with regard to Beijing.
(With agency inputs)
