Xi Jinping: Trade Wars Have No Winners

President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. He stressed that "there are no winners in a tariff war" and asserted that China is not afraid of unreasonable suppression. He called on the European Union to collaborate with China in opposing unilateralism and defending the international trading system.

This marked Xi’s first public comment on the escalating tariff war initiated by the United States on April 2. “Going against the world ultimately leads to self-isolation,” Xi warned, underscoring that China’s progress over the past seven decades has been rooted in self-reliance and perseverance—not dependence on others.

“Whatever changes may occur externally, China will remain confident, resolute, and focused on managing its affairs,” Xi said.

Highlighting the shared interests between China and the EU, Xi noted that they account for over a third of the global economy and are strong advocates for globalization and free trade. He urged both sides to jointly uphold international rules and resist unilateral actions to safeguard their rights and global fairness.

Xi’s remarks come amid rising tensions with the U.S., which recently announced an effective 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports. In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s stance: “There is no path forward in the face of U.S. bullying and arrogance through compromise or concession.” He said China’s countermeasures aim to protect its legitimate interests and uphold international norms.

Sánchez is the first European leader to visit China following the U.S. tariff hike. During his two-day visit—his third in three years—he expressed support for stronger EU-China ties. “China is an important partner for the EU,” Sánchez said, affirming Spain’s commitment to free trade, multilateralism, and opposition to unilateral tariff increases.

Faced with global challenges, Sánchez said the EU is ready to enhance cooperation with China on climate change, poverty reduction, and maintaining the international trade order.

Later on Friday, Premier Li Qiang met with Sánchez, and the two witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements covering trade, the economy, and technology. Both countries released a joint action plan for 2025–2028 to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, pledging to support open cooperation and multilateralism.

The visit follows a series of recent diplomatic exchanges between China and the EU, including Premier Li’s phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a virtual meeting between Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, where both sides agreed to initiate consultations on market access issues.

Analysts suggest that rising U.S.-China tensions could create opportunities for closer EU-China cooperation. Cui Hongjian, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, emphasized that it is vital for China and the EU to stand together in defending globalization and the multilateral trade system, which form the foundation of their partnership.