Xi Jinping Urges EU to Defend Globalization Amid US-China Trade Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the European Union to protect economic globalization and international trade amid rising trade friction between the U.S. and China. Speaking on Friday, April 11, 2025, during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Xi emphasized the close economic ties between China and the EU, whose combined economic output accounts for over one-third of the world's total. Xi stated that China and the EU should jointly uphold economic globalization and the international trade environment, opposing unilateral actions. The meeting, held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, also included Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who stated that tariff wars benefit no one and that China will focus on managing its own affairs. Prime Minister Sánchez affirmed Spain's commitment to its relationship with China and its adherence to the one-China policy. The remarks come as the U.S. imposed increased import tariffs on China, citing concerns over trade practices. The tariff on imports from China to the United States is a total of 145 percent.