TAIPEI, Taiwan — In light of increasing tariffs from the United States, China is attempting to gather international support in hopes of pressuring Washington to reconsider its stance. However, despite these efforts, China has faced challenges in persuading countries to align against President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach to trade.
In reaction to plummeting global markets, Trump recently announced a 90-day reprieve on tariffs for numerous nations, asserting that these countries are eager to discuss more advantageous trade terms. Despite this, China has rejected talks with the United States, accusing it of insincerity and pledging to “fight to the end” in the ongoing tariff war. In response, Trump further increased the tariff rate on Chinese imports to 125%, and China retaliated with its own tariffs on U.S. goods, reaching 84% as of Thursday.
Trump’s strategy appears aimed at refocusing what was a widespread trade conflict into a direct clashing of powers between the U.S. and China. In this bid, China has concentrated on bolstering its ties with Europe, highlighted by a recent phone call between Premier Li Qiang and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, delivering “a positive message to the outside world,” given that China and the EU represent each other’s largest trading partners.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported that China is keen to collaborate with the EU to implement a consensus reached by their leaders, fostering communication to enrich trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. Following this, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a video conference with EU Commissioner Šef?ovi? to discuss U.S. “reciprocal tariffs.” Wang strongly criticized the tariffs, stating they violate WTO rules and destabilize the global economic system. He labeled them as “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.”
Despite China’s willingness to resolve differences through dialogue, Wang emphasized that if the U.S. remains obstinate, China is ready to persist in the ongoing trade dispute. China has also reached out to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and engaged with business leaders to prepare for various uncertainties, as Premier Li mentioned, indicating potential new policies as situations demand.
Nevertheless, not every nation is eager to form alliances with China, particularly those with historical disputes. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia’s priority is maintaining its national interest and advocating free and fair trade independently. Australia’s relationship with China soured in 2020 when it called for an independent COVID-19 inquiry, prompting China to enact trade barriers.
Similarly, India reportedly declined China’s proposal for cooperation, while Russia, traditionally a close ally to China, has not been subjected to Trump’s tariffs. Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia face a dilemma. While they have gained from factories relocating from China due to lower costs, they still suffer from the tariffs’ impact on their economies, with limited markets outside the U.S.
Previously ruling out a pause, Trump’s administration is now gearing up for negotiations with each country individually. During these talks, countries experiencing a tariff break will see a temporary rate of 10%, as tension around Trump’s tariffs lingers in the global trade environment.