In a pointed address during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on April 11, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the United States could face isolation due to its tariff policies. Xi emphasized the detrimental effects of a tariff war, stating, “There is no winner in a tariff war, and going against the world will only result in self-isolation.” The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, following the re-implementation of sweeping tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Xi highlighted China’s track record of self-reliance and resilience over the past seventy years, insisting that China’s development has been based on its own efforts and not dependent on external gifts. “It has never relied on anyone’s gifts, let alone been afraid of any unreasonable suppression, ” he asserted, according to the state Xinhua News Agency.
The context of Xi’s comments reflects a broader geopolitical shift as China seeks to fortify its relationships with other global players like the European Union. The Chinese president underscored the importance of open cooperation and partnership with Europe, aiming for a potential thaw in Beijing-Brussels relations, which have been strained due to various geopolitical events including COVID-19 and tensions with Russia.