Chinese President Xi Jinping urged stronger collaboration between China and the European Union on Friday, calling for a united front in defending globalization and standing against what he called "unilateral acts of bullying"—a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump's escalating tariff measures.

In his first public remarks since Trump's latest tariff hike on Chinese goods, Xi emphasized the need for international cooperation, warning that "there are no winners in a tariff war."

He stressed that the EU remains a crucial partner for China in promoting a stable global economy. "China has always regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world," Xi told Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during a meeting in Beijing, according to Xinhua.

"China and the EU should fulfill their international responsibilities… and jointly oppose unilateral acts of bullying," he added.

On his part, Prime Minister Sanchez echoed Xi’s sentiments, stating, "Trade wars aren't good—the world needs China and the US to talk."

He urged dialogue between the two global powers and encouraged the European Commission to use the temporary 90-day tariff pause to negotiate the "best possible" outcome with Washington. The EU, which had planned its own retaliatory tariffs, has suspended them for now.

Madrid deepens China ties despite US warnings

Sanchez, who is visiting Beijing for the third time in three years, aims to deepen ties with China amid the global trade uncertainty sparked by Trump’s protectionist moves.

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Spanish officials have dismissed US warnings that strengthening ties with China would be tantamount to “cutting your own throat,” defending Madrid’s pursuit of deeper engagement with Beijing.

“There are opportunities to deepen relations,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, adding, “but it’s important that China shows sensitivity to European demands for more balanced relations.” He pointed to the European Union’s trade deficit with China, which surpassed $300 billion last year, as a key concern.

The EU has characterized China as “a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor and a systemic rival,” reflecting the complex nature of their relationship.

Speaking at a press conference from the Spanish embassy in Beijing, Sanchez highlighted a series of new agreements signed between the two countries, spanning science, technology, education, and the film industry. 

According to Xinhua, President Xi Jinping said China and Spain should explore collaborative opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and smart city development.

Spain has been a notable recipient of Chinese investment, particularly in high-tech industries like batteries, electric vehicles, and hydrogen—areas where the EU currently trails China and sees strategic value in closer cooperation.

China consults Saudi, South Africa on US tariff response

Separately, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held back-to-back video talks with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and South Africa on Thursday to discuss how to respond to Washington’s recently announced “reciprocal tariffs", according to a statement from Beijing’s Commerce Ministry on Friday.

During the conversations, Wang exchanged views with Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi and South Africa’s Parks Tau on deepening bilateral economic and trade ties.

With al-Qasabi, Wang also discussed boosting collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In talks with Tau, the focus included the roles of the G20 and BRICS.

While the Chinese Ministry confirmed the meetings, it offered no further details about the content of the discussions.

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