Fri Apr 11 10:48:28 UTC 2025: ## China Appeals to EU Amidst Escalating US Trade War

**Beijing, April 11, 2025** – Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the European Union (EU) to join forces in resisting what he termed “unilateral bullying” from the United States, following President Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese goods. This appeal comes as China retaliated against the US tariffs by raising its own levies to 125%, escalating the trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

Mr. Xi’s statement, released Friday, emphasized that “there is no winner in a tariff war,” and that protectionist policies ultimately lead to global isolation. He highlighted the shared commitment of China and the EU to free trade and globalization, emphasizing the importance of upholding international rules and order.

The US tariffs, initially at 34% on Chinese goods, were increased by President Trump to 145% after China’s initial retaliation. Simultaneously, the US temporarily suspended tariffs on other nations, including the EU, for 90 days, a move that reportedly caught Beijing off guard. While the EU has also paused its countermeasures for the same period to allow for negotiations, concerns remain about the potential for a massive influx of discounted Chinese goods into the European market should the US-China trade war continue.

The EU has already expressed concerns about Chinese overcapacity and has pledged to utilize all available trade defense mechanisms to safeguard its single market from potential disruptions. A Rhodium Group note cited in the South China Morning Post suggests that industries in the EU facing both increased imports from China and reduced production account for 25% of European manufacturing jobs.

Meanwhile, China is actively engaging in diplomatic outreach to other countries, with President Xi embarking on a state visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia to strengthen trade and strategic ties. The escalating trade conflict presents a significant challenge to the global economy and underscores the growing tensions between major global powers.

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