Xi Jinping insists no winners in Trump's trade war
- China has responded to the U.S. increasing tariffs with a substantial 125% duty on American imports.
- Xi Jinping's editorial cautioned against the economic ramifications of a trade war and emphasized the importance of cooperation.
- The ongoing trade conflict showcases tensions between protecting national interests and the need for globalization.
In April 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Vietnam as part of a diplomatic tour to strengthen ties with regional trade partners in Southeast Asia. His visit came amid rising tensions in the trade war with the United States, marked by recent high tariffs imposed by both countries. President Donald Trump had earlier levied 145% tariffs against various Chinese exports, to which China responded with its own 125% tariffs on American imports. During his visit, Xi emphasized that trade and tariff wars yield no winners and called for the protection of the multilateral trading system, stable industrial supply chains, and a cooperative international environment. His warnings reflect concerns within China about the economic impact of the ongoing tariff battle and aim to position China as a responsible superpower in contrast to the unilateral trade approaches of the U.S. Xi's diplomatic strategy involves showcasing China's stability and commitment to global trade amid an unpredictable global economic landscape, although China remains staunch in its stance against U.S. tariffs. Following Vietnam, Xi is expected to visit Malaysia and Cambodia. The trade relationship between the U.S. and China continues to be a focal point of international economic discussions, especially as many nations reassess their own trade dynamics in light of these escalating tensions.