Xi Jinping Meets Spanish PM as U.S. Trade War Brings China Closer to the EU

April 13, 2025 | 03:41 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Xi Jinping of China invited the European Union (EU) to safeguard economic globalization and the international trade environment amid the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China.

"With a combined economic output exceeding one-third of the world’s total, the two sides have formed a close relationship of economic symbiosis,” said Xi Jinping, as quoted from Antara on Sunday, during his meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday, April 11, 2025.

“China and the EU should fulfill their international responsibilities, jointly safeguard the trend of economic globalization and the international trade environment, and jointly oppose unilateral acts of bullying,” he added. 

The meeting, as stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website, took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and was also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "There are no winners in tariff wars,” he said. “ China does not flinch from any unjust suppression. No matter how the external environment changes, China will remain confident, stay composed, and concentrate on managing its own affairs well.”

Xi Jinping stated that China and the European Union are major economies in the world and staunch supporters of economic globalization and free trade. Both countries must not only defend their own rights and interests, but also “international fairness and justice and international rules and order.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that for the past 20 years, China and Spain have always respected each other and engaged in friendly cooperation. "Spain values its relationship with China, and firmly upholds the one-China policy,” said Sánchez.

US President Donald Trump imposed high import tariffs on China last week. Washington stated that the tariff on imports from China to the United States is a total of 145 percent. As reported by Euronews, the White House later clarified that the import tariff is in addition to the existing 20 percent tariff.

A 20 percent tariff was previously imposed on imports of Chinese goods because Trump accused Beijing of being involved in the production and supply of fentanyl to the US. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that the decision to impose an additional 125 percent levy was based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets.

As reported by CNN, Trump claimed that more than 75 countries have contacted US representatives to discuss and negotiate an agreement on import tariffs. Tariffs can be revised within 90 days.

However, China remains firm and refuses to engage in any form of negotiation with the United States. China has retaliated by raising tariffs on US goods to 125 percent. As a result of the trade war, China is approaching the European Union.

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