China Rallies Allies to Counter Trump Tariff War Escalation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As President Trump intensifies tariffs on China, Beijing is reaching out globally to rally support. Despite some diplomatic engagement, many nations remain cautious about siding with China. The trade war’s next phase sees new economic threats, including retaliation through media and services.
China’s Global Outreach Amid U.S. Tariff Escalation: Quick Looks
- Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, escalating the trade standoff.
- China retaliated with 84% tariffs on U.S. goods, effective Thursday.
- Beijing is reaching out to Europe and Southeast Asia, seeking alignment.
- The EU paused its own retaliatory tariffs for 90 days to allow talks.
- China warned it may restrict U.S. film imports and other service-related trade.
- Diplomatic efforts included calls between Premier Li Qiang and EU leaders.
- Commerce Minister Wang Wentao condemned U.S. tariffs as “economic bullying.”
- Several countries, including India and Australia, declined China’s alliance overtures.
- Russia was excluded from Trump’s tariffs, raising questions about alignment.
- Southeast Asian nations remain caught between tariff exposure and dependency on U.S. trade.
China Rallies Allies to Counter Trump Tariff War Escalation
Deep Look
In response to an intensifying trade war with the United States, China is launching a broad diplomatic campaign, reaching out to countries around the globe in an effort to build a united front against President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs. While the initiative signals a strategic shift toward multilateralism, China’s efforts have produced mixed results, as many nations remain wary of aligning too closely with Beijing.
Trump’s decision this week to pause tariffs on most countries for 90 days was seen as a move to isolate China in the trade conflict. Simultaneously, the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, while China retaliated Thursday with 84% duties on a wide range of American goods. These moves come after weeks of rising tensions and market turmoil.
Speaking at a Thursday press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed Beijing’s stance: “The U.S. cannot win the support of the people and will end in failure. A just cause receives support from many.”
China has turned its attention to Europe, where Premier Li Qiang held a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a bid to reinforce bilateral cooperation. State-run Xinhua News Agency described the dialogue as sending a “positive message,” highlighting Beijing’s desire to expand trade and industrial ties with the European Union.
Further engagement came via a video meeting between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, focused on what Wang called the U.S.’s “reciprocal tariffs.” Wang condemned the measures as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and an act of “economic bullying.”
“China is willing to resolve differences through consultation and negotiation,” Wang said, “but if the U.S. insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.”
China has also made overtures to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hosted conversations with regional business leaders, as Beijing attempts to counterbalance Washington’s economic influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, officials privately acknowledge that the road to building a broad coalition is complicated by historical tensions and economic dependencies.
“A tariff-wielding barbarian who attempts to force countries to beg for mercy can never expect that call from China,” wrote Huang Jingrui. “If the U.S. is sincere about starting a dialogue, it should adopt the right attitude of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
Still, many countries have not responded positively to China’s outreach. Australia, still recovering from a trade freeze imposed by Beijing in 2020 after calling for an investigation into COVID-19, maintained its independence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “We stand on our own two feet. Free and fair trade is a good thing, and we engage with all countries in our national interest.”
India, which has border disputes and strategic tensions with China, has also declined to join Beijing’s efforts. Meanwhile, Russia, often seen as China’s closest partner, has been notably excluded from Trump’s latest round of tariffs, creating further geopolitical ambiguity.
In Taiwan, where the U.S. recently imposed a 32% tariff, officials have signaled willingness to engage in direct talks with Washington. Taiwan’s critical role in supplying high-end semiconductors makes its position uniquely significant.
Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia—which had benefited from supply chain shifts out of China—are now feeling the pinch. These economies operate on thin margins and rely heavily on U.S. demand. Tariffs on their goods leave them caught in the crossfire, unable to comfortably side with either major power.
China to distribute fewer American movies
In addition to trade retaliations, China is threatening non-tariff measures. On Thursday, Beijing announced plans to “appropriately reduce” imports of U.S. films, a move seen as symbolic retaliation in the cultural sector. The China Film Administration said it would limit American movie releases in accordance with “audience preferences” and market rules, a veiled reference to growing anti-U.S. sentiment driven by economic tensions.
“Given the U.S.’s reckless actions, Chinese audiences will naturally lose interest in American films,” said the agency spokesperson. Beijing already caps foreign film releases annually, and tightening this quota could affect Hollywood’s access to the world’s second-largest film market.
Market reactions to the temporary tariff pause were swift. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped over 9%, while Germany’s DAX gained 7.5%. Yet, optimism was muted in the U.S., with futures for the S&P 500 falling 0.4% and the Dow down 0.2%, signaling ongoing investor anxiety over trade policy unpredictability.
Looking ahead, China has vowed to defend its interests. “We will not sit idly by and let the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese people be deprived,” said spokesperson Lin Jian. “China is prepared for all uncertainties and will respond with appropriate measures.”
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