China, EU Strengthen Ties Amid Rising US Tariffs

The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, marked by steeply increased tariffs on Chinese goods, has sparked global economic tensions and prompted both countries to reassess their trade strategies. Chinese officials argue that these tariffs are detrimental not only to China and the U.S., but also to global economic stability, emphasizing the deep interdependence between the two economies and warning that such measures disrupt global recovery. While Chinese exports to the U.S. are affected, China remains a major trading partner for the U.S., and both sides face consequences from escalating trade barriers. In response to renewed U.S. tariffs, China is strengthening its economic ties with the European Union, highlighting their partnership and mutual interests in areas like trade, green development, and digitalization. Economists note that while the costs of protectionist policies, such as job losses and factory closures, are highly visible, the broader benefits of free trade—like consumer gains and economic efficiency—are often overlooked. The current trade environment is further complicated by political promises to restore domestic manufacturing, which run counter to fundamental economic principles favoring open trade.