Xi Jinping Accuses Trump of Global Bullying

Xi Jinping Accuses Trump of Global Bullying

Beijing, April 11, 2025 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of “bullying Europe and the entire world” in response to sweeping tariffs imposed by Washington, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade war between the two global powers.

Speaking during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing, Xi called for the European Union to join forces with China to counter what he described as Trump’s “unilateral bullying practices.”

The remarks reflect Beijing’s growing frustration with U.S. trade policies and signal a strategic push to align with other nations to mitigate the economic fallout.

Why This Is Happening

The latest flare-up stems from Trump’s decision to impose a staggering 145% tariff on Chinese imports, a move that followed China’s retaliatory 125% tariffs on U.S. goods.

This tit-for-tat escalation began earlier this month when Trump announced a 10% universal tariff, later pausing reciprocal duties for 90 days for most countries—except China.

The U.S. president has defended his strategy, arguing it protects American industries and corrects trade imbalances, particularly with China, which he claims has exploited global markets for decades. However, Beijing views these measures as economic coercion, accusing the U.S. of violating international trade rules and destabilizing the global economy.

Xi’s outspoken criticism comes at a time of heightened economic uncertainty. Global markets have been rattled by the trade war, with equities fluctuating and bond markets signaling distress.

China, heavily reliant on exports, faces significant pressure from the tariffs, which threaten to disrupt supply chains and inflate costs for consumers worldwide. By framing Trump’s actions as bullying, Xi aims to rally international support and deflect domestic criticism over the economic strain felt within China.

What Xi Jinping Is Thinking

Xi’s rhetoric suggests a calculated strategy. Domestically, he seeks to project strength and resilience, reinforcing his image as a leader who can stand up to foreign pressure.

Analysts believe Xi is wary of appearing weak, especially as China grapples with economic challenges like slowing growth and rising unemployment. By refusing to back down, he signals to the Chinese public that Beijing will not bow to what it calls U.S. “blackmail.”

Internationally, Xi is positioning China as a defender of global trade and multilateralism, contrasting Beijing’s approach with Washington’s unilateralism.

His appeal to Europe reflects a desire to exploit tensions between the EU and the U.S., particularly over trade. While the EU has its own concerns about China’s trade practices—such as subsidies and market access—Xi hopes to leverage shared frustration with Trump’s tariffs to deepen ties with European nations.

His meeting with Sánchez, alongside outreach to other leaders like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underscores this diplomatic offensive.

Xi also appears to be preparing for a prolonged standoff. Beijing has diversified its trade partnerships in recent years, strengthening ties with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to reduce reliance on the U.S. market.

The Chinese leader likely believes China can weather the economic storm longer than the U.S., betting that domestic pressure in America—where tariffs could raise consumer prices—might force Trump to soften his stance.

Europe and China’s Plan

Xi’s call for cooperation with the EU is part of a broader plan to forge a united front against U.S. tariffs.

In his discussions with Sánchez, Xi emphasized that China and Europe should “fulfill their international responsibilities” to maintain economic globalization and resist protectionism. He argued that such collaboration would safeguard “international fairness and justice” while protecting mutual economic interests.

Europe, caught in the crossfire of the U.S.-China trade war, faces a delicate balancing act. The EU has suspended its own planned tariffs on $22.4 billion worth of U.S. goods for 90 days, signaling a willingness to negotiate with Washington.

However, European leaders are wary of Trump’s unpredictable trade policies, which include a paused 20% tariff on EU goods. Sánchez acknowledged the EU’s trade deficit with China but stressed that tensions should not derail cooperation, hinting at openness to Xi’s overtures.

China is likely pushing for deeper trade and investment ties with Europe to offset losses from the U.S. market. This could involve offering European firms greater access to Chinese markets or accelerating negotiations on stalled trade agreements.

For instance, Sánchez’s previous visits to China have focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including Spain’s divergence from EU consensus on tariffs for Chinese electric vehicles. Beijing may also seek to exploit divisions within the EU, targeting countries like Spain, which are more open to engagement, to weaken a unified European stance.

The Road Ahead

As the trade war intensifies, Xi’s accusations of bullying underscore a deepening rift between Washington and Beijing. While Trump insists his tariffs will force concessions, Xi’s defiance suggests China is digging in for a long fight.

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Europe, meanwhile, remains a pivotal player, courted by both sides but reluctant to fully align with either. The outcome of this global economic tussle will hinge on whether Xi can rally enough international support to pressure the U.S. or if Trump’s gamble on tariffs reshapes trade dynamics in America’s favor.

For now, Xi’s message is clear: China will not yield, and it wants Europe by its side. Whether this alliance materializes—or crumbles under competing interests—could define the next chapter of global trade.

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