No clear winner: Xi Jinping reacts as China hikes tariffs on US goods to 125 pc

IANS April 11, 2025 348 views

President Xi Jinping has strongly criticized the escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, warning that confrontational economic policies lead to self-isolation. During a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi emphasized China's resilience and commitment to economic globalization, rejecting unilateral trade bullying. The Chinese government responded to US tariff increases by implementing its own 125% tariffs on American goods, signaling a deepening economic standoff. Both China and the EU are positioning themselves as defenders of multilateral trade principles, challenging what they perceive as aggressive protectionist strategies.

"No matter how the external world changes, China will remain confident and focused on running its own affairs well." - Xi Jinping
No clear winner: Xi Jinping reacts as China hikes tariffs on US goods to 125 pc
Beijing, April 11: There is no winner in a tariff war, and going against the world will only result in self-isolation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said when meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez here on Friday.

Key Points

1

China retaliates with massive 125% tariff increase on US goods

2

Xi calls for global trade cooperation and multilateralism

3

Both China and EU oppose unilateral economic bullying

4

Trade tensions escalate between world's largest economies

Moreover, in a move that is set to further escalate global uncertainty, China has decided to retaliate with additional tariffs on US goods from April 12, taking the total effective rate to 125 per cent. This came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a total of 145 per cent duty on Chinese goods.

Xi said over the past 70 years and more, China has achieved development through self-reliance and arduous struggle, never relying on others' mercies, still less fearing any unreasonable suppression, reports Xinhua news agency.

He added that no matter how the external world changes, China will remain confident and focused on running its own affairs well.

Noting that both China and the European Union (EU) are major economies in the world and firm supporters of economic globalization and free trade, Xi said the two sides have formed a close relationship of economic symbiosis with their combined economic output exceeding one-third of the world's total.

He called on China and the EU to fulfill their international responsibilities, work together to safeguard economic globalization and the international trading environment, and jointly resist unilateral bullying.

This not only safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of China and the EU, but also serves to maintain fairness and justice within the international community while upholding international rules and order, Xi said.

Sanchez said China is an important partner of the EU, and Spain has always supported the stable development of EU-China relations.

Noting the EU is committed to open and free trade, upholds multilateralism and opposes unilateral tariff hikes, Sanchez said there is no winner in a trade war.

Facing the complex and challenging international situation, Spain and the EU are willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to maintain the international trade order, cope with challenges including climate change and poverty, and safeguard the common interests of the international community, he said.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This tit-for-tat tariff war is hurting businesses on both sides. I run an import business and these sudden changes make planning impossible. There has to be a better way to resolve trade disputes. 😕
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Lisa M.
Interesting how Xi emphasizes economic globalization while raising tariffs to 125%. Feels a bit contradictory? I agree trade wars have no winners, but actions speak louder than words.
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Robert T.
The EU's position here is crucial. If they can mediate between these two economic giants, it might prevent further escalation. Glad to see Spain taking a reasonable stance.
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Sarah L.
Consumers always end up paying the price for these trade wars. My electronics repair shop is already seeing price hikes on components. This needs to stop before it gets worse. 😣
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Miguel P.
Xi's point about China's self-reliance is important, but in today's interconnected world, complete isolation isn't practical. Hope cooler heads prevail soon - the global economy can't take much more of this.
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Amanda W.
The 125% tariff is shocking! While I understand China needs to respond, this seems excessive. There must be more measured ways to protect national interests without such extreme measures.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Xi Jinping Donald Trump Trade War China US Relations Economic Tariffs Global Trade
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