CHINA AND EU MUST RESIST ‘UNILATERAL BULLYING,’ SAYS XI JINPING

UPSC Relevance

• GS-2: International Relations – EU-China Relations, Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism
• GS-3: International Trade – Tariffs, Protectionism, Global Trade Wars
• Essay: Global Power Dynamics, Diplomacy, and Economic Cooperation

Key Points

1. Xi’s Critique of U.S. Tariffs

• Xi condemned U.S. President Trump’s “unilateral bullying” through steep tariffs on Chinese goods.
• He urged the EU to join China in opposing such measures to safeguard mutual interests and global trade equity.

2. Significance of China-EU Trade

• China and Europe maintain robust trade ties, with Spain importing €45 billion in Chinese goods annually.
• Xi stressed the importance of sustaining cooperation despite escalating U.S. tensions.

3. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez’s Perspective

• Sanchez endorsed ongoing collaboration amid global trade challenges.
• During his September 2024 visit, he diverged from the EU’s tough stance on China, advocating a review of punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

4. Advocacy for Multilateralism

• Xi presented the call as a defense of:
  • National sovereignty
  • Fair trade principles
  • Global justice
• He warned against allowing U.S. policies to shape the future of global trade and partnerships.

Analysis and Path Forward

• Xi’s remarks reflect China’s strategy to bolster EU relations amid deteriorating U.S. ties.
• The EU shows internal divisions on China policy, with Spain’s stance offering China a potential negotiation leverage.
• These dynamics highlight the complexities of balancing bilateral and bloc-level strategies in global trade.