China Defiant on Tariffs: Xi Slams US ‘Unilateral Bullying’ in Talks with Spain’s Sanchez

Xi Jinping Urges EU Alliance Against US Tariff Measures Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

Amid escalating trade tensions with Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the European Union to resist US-led unilateralism and protectionist policies, following a steep tariff escalation by US President Donald Trump. In a high-profile diplomatic meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on April 11, 2025, Xi characterized the US’s tariff hike as “unilateral bullying” and urged deeper Sino-European cooperation to uphold multilateral trade norms and economic globalization.

Xi’s call to the EU comes in the immediate aftermath of President Trump’s announcement of a 145 percent tariff on select Chinese goods, which is widely interpreted as a direct economic strike in the ongoing US-China trade standoff. This marks the most severe tariff measure taken during Trump’s current tenure, escalating fears of a full-blown trade war that could have global repercussions.

Highlights:

• Xi Jinping denounces US tariffs as “unilateral bullying” during meeting with Pedro Sanchez.

• Urges the EU to cooperate with China in resisting protectionism and economic decoupling.

• Meeting underscores Beijing’s strategic pivot toward European alliances amid US pressure.

China Retaliates with 125 Percent Tariff on US Goods Starting April 12

Soon after Xi’s public remarks, China’s Ministry of Finance announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 125 percent on a broad range of US exports, effective April 12. The ministry declared that these measures were both reciprocal and necessary to protect Chinese industries from what it described as “aggressive and destabilizing trade behavior” from Washington.

China also made it clear that it would “ignore any additional tariff actions” imposed by the United States, stating that such moves are “no longer relevant to the practical trading environment” between the two nations. This declaration signals a sharp strategic shift in Beijing’s trade calculus, moving from reactive diplomacy to preemptive defiance.

The finance ministry emphasized that US products, including agricultural commodities and electronic goods, are already uncompetitive in the Chinese market under the current tariff burden. It warned that any further escalation by the US would simply result in “self-isolation and erosion of market access” for American businesses.

Highlights:

• China imposes 125% retaliatory tariffs on US imports starting April 12.

• Finance Ministry declares future US tariff hikes will be disregarded.

• US agricultural and tech exports are the primary sectors impacted.

Strategic Deepening of China-Spain Relations Amid Global Turmoil

During the meeting at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House, Xi Jinping praised Prime Minister Sanchez’s diplomatic engagement with China and emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation with Spain in light of “global instability and economic turbulence.” The two leaders reportedly discussed trade, technology partnerships, and green energy initiatives.

Xi called for “more strategic determination and more vitality” in developing bilateral ties, reiterating that China-Spain relations must serve as a stabilizing force in international affairs. The timing of this visit, amid deepening fractures in global trade alliances, highlights Beijing’s intent to consolidate European partnerships as counterweights to Washington’s trade aggression.

Xi also called for mutual efforts to resist “isolationism, unilateralism, and decoupling,” terms widely viewed as criticisms of the United States’ recent foreign policy and trade strategies.

Highlights:

• Xi and Sanchez commit to deepening China-Spain strategic relations.

• Xi stresses the need for stable bilateral ties amid global volatility.

• Beijing eyes closer EU alignment to counterbalance US trade policies.

Travel and Education Advisories Underscore Rising Bilateral Tensions

Further underscoring the escalating confrontation, Chinese authorities issued advisories against travel and study in the United States, citing mounting safety concerns and alleged instances of discrimination and surveillance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education jointly warned Chinese nationals about heightened “security risks” in certain US states.

This policy shift marks a stark departure from Xi’s previous push to enhance people-to-people exchanges with the US, and reflects the broader breakdown in diplomatic engagement. Chinese students have historically formed one of the largest international cohorts at American universities, but recent political rhetoric and visa restrictions have prompted Beijing to reassess its stance.

Observers view these advisories as a calibrated signal of deteriorating trust and a preparatory step for deeper decoupling in both educational and economic engagements between the two powers.

Highlights:

• Chinese officials advise against travel and education in the US.

• Move reflects rapid decline in bilateral trust and diplomatic relations.

• Educational exchange programs may face further disruptions.

US-China Trade Conflict Reaches New Heights in 2025

With these latest developments, the US-China trade conflict has intensified to levels not seen since the first trade war during Trump’s previous presidency. Prior to 2025, the average import tariffs levied between the two nations hovered below 20 percent, even amid prior rounds of reciprocal duties and WTO disputes. The current escalation — marked by 145 percent and 125 percent tariff rates — represents a dramatic and unprecedented spike in protectionist measures.

Economic analysts warn that continued escalation may destabilize global supply chains, drive inflation in consumer goods, and erode investor confidence, particularly in export-reliant sectors. Beijing’s response, emphasizing strategic resilience and global partnerships, suggests a long-term strategy to pivot away from American economic dependence while reinforcing trade ties with Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Global South.

Highlights:

• Tariff rates now exceed previous trade war levels, threatening global trade stability.

• Analysts caution about inflation, disrupted supply chains, and capital flight risks.

• China’s economic pivot focuses on diversification beyond US partnerships.