Tensions between the U.S. and China intensified further after Beijing announced additional countermeasures against Washington, following the White House’s clarification that tariffs on Chinese imports would rise to 145%, not the previously stated 125%. The correction, which factored in earlier announced duties, triggered a sharper decline in U.S. stock markets.
Previously, former President Donald Trump had stated on Truth Social that tariffs would be set at 125%, while also pausing duties on imports from most other nations for 90 days.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the European Union to stand with China against what he described as “unilateral bullying” by the United States. During his meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on April 11, 2025, Xi emphasized the importance of EU-China cooperation amid escalating trade pressures from Washington.
“China and Europe should fulfill their international responsibilities and jointly resist unilateral bullying practices,” Xi said, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The latest round of tit-for-tat tariffs has reignited global concerns about a looming recession, with world leaders weighing how best to respond to the intensifying U.S.-China trade conflict.
