Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, called on China and the European Union (EU) to work together to safeguard globalization and stand against unilateral “tariff bullying.

President Xi Urges EU to Unite Against Trump’s Tariff Policies
Beijing, April 11, 2025 (Reuters):

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, called on China and the European Union (EU) to work together to safeguard globalization and stand against unilateral “tariff bullying.” Although Xi did not directly name the U.S., his remarks were clearly aimed at recent tariff policies introduced by President Donald Trump.

“There are no winners in a tariff war. The EU plays a vital role in protecting global trade and economic stability,” Xi said.
He added, “China has always viewed the EU as a major power and supports its unity and development.”

Sánchez: EU-China Relations Should Be More Balanced

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for dialogue between China and the United States for the greater good of the world.

“A trade war benefits no one,” Sánchez said. “We want deeper ties with China, but China must also address Europe’s concerns — especially maintaining trade balance.”

It is worth noting that the EU’s trade deficit with China exceeded $300 billion last year.

U.S. Tariffs and China’s Retaliation

President Trump recently imposed higher tariffs on numerous countries, including EU member states. While he later paused tariffs on the EU for 90 days, he raised tariffs on Chinese goods to as high as 145%. In retaliation, China announced a 125% tariff on U.S. goods.

Sánchez expressed hope that the European Commission would use this 90-day window to secure a “best possible deal” with the United States. For now, the EU has suspended the implementation of its counter-tariffs.

China-Spain Agreements Signed

This marks Sánchez’s third visit to Beijing in three years. During the visit, China and Spain signed several agreements on cooperation in science, technology, education, and the film industry. New export protocols were also signed for cherries and pork.

Spain Rejects U.S. Warning

The United States had warned Spain that deepening ties with China could be “like putting a knife to one’s own throat.” Spain, however, dismissed the warning, stating:

“We are interested in strategically strengthening our relationship [with China], but always with Europe’s interests in mind.”

The EU currently views China as simultaneously a "partner, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival."