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Protectionism

China's Xi Jinping Calls for Global Cooperation Amid US-China Trade Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has published an editorial in China and Vietnam, urging nations to safeguard the multilateral trading system and promote cooperation in the face of growing trade tensions between the US and China. The article comes as trade talks between the two countries continue to stall, with US President Donald Trump pausing tariffs on Chinese imports but threatening to impose levies on semiconductors. Meanwhile, China has raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, and Xi has signaled Beijing's determination to ensure that the trade war hurts the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xi Jinping's editorial emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the multilateral trading system and promoting cooperation to address global challenges.
  • China has raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, in response to Trump's 145% levies, further escalating the trade war.
  • Trump has paused tariffs on Chinese imports, but threatened to impose levies on semiconductors, which could have a significant impact on the tech industry.
  • The US-China trade war has created uncertainty for businesses and investors, with many companies looking to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
  • The standoff has significant implications for the global economy, with trade tensions between the world's two largest economies having a ripple effect on markets and industries around the world.
  • China's increased tariffs on US goods are expected to hurt American farmers and manufacturers, who have been counting on access to the massive Chinese market to drive sales and growth.
  • Xi's call for global cooperation comes as China faces growing pressure from the US and other countries on issues such as intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, and human rights.

Statistics:

  • 125%: the new tariff rate on US goods imposed by China in response to Trump's 145% levies.
  • 145%: the tariff rate on Chinese imports imposed by the US.
  • $786 billion: the value of US goods imported from China in 2025 (Source: US Census Bureau).
  • 20%: the percentage of US companies that have diversified their supply chains in response to the trade war (Source: National Association of Manufacturers).
  • $120 billion: the value of Chinese goods imported by the US in 2025 (Source: US Census Bureau).

Sources:

  • [https://www.axios.com/world/china](https://www.axios.com/world/china)
  • [https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump](https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump)
  • [https://apnews.com/article/xi-visit-vietnam-china-us-trade-d7046613bff2c9ef31162ae8dd436263](https://apnews.com/article/xi-visit-vietnam-china-us-trade-d7046613bff2c9ef31162ae8dd436263)
  • [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/clarification-of-exceptions-under-executive-order-14257-of-april-2-2025-as-amended/](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/clarification-of-exceptions-under-executive-order-14257-of-april-2-2025-as-amended/)
  • [https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/trump-chip-tariffs-china](https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/trump-chip-tariffs-china)

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