News Today: China signals strength, vows not to yield to American tariffs and unilateral pressure

China has taken a bold and defiant stance against escalating US tariffs, with its leadership making it clear that they will not yield to American pressure. Chinese officials have referred to the Trump administration’s trade policy as “bullying” and emphasized that the country has the resilience and resources to resist such moves—more so than any other nation on Earth.

While the US was once a major market for Chinese goods, those exports only made up about 2% of China’s GDP, highlighting Beijing’s relative independence and capacity to withstand the ongoing tariff war. The Chinese Communist Party would certainly prefer to avoid further economic turbulence, especially amidst domestic issues like a struggling real estate market, rising regional debt, and stubborn youth unemployment. Yet, the government insists it is well-prepared to endure and retaliate.

President Xi Jinping, in a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, called on the European Union to jointly stand against the unilateral trade actions of the US. Their meeting, held in Beijing just before China announced a fresh round of tariff hikes, symbolized growing diplomatic efforts to consolidate alliances.

Sánchez affirmed that the trade war with the US should not hinder EU-China cooperation. Xi is also set to visit Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia—nations that have suffered collateral damage from the US-China trade dispute.

Meanwhile, Chinese ministers are engaging with counterparts from India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen trade partnerships and explore new markets. Talks between China and the EU suggest possible tariff adjustments on Chinese cars in favor of a minimum price mechanism, showing Beijing’s strategic adaptability.

Symbolism has also entered the arena. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted a historic video of Chairman Mao vowing never to surrender to the US during the Korean War, paired with a firm message: “We are Chinese. We are not afraid of provocations. We won’t back down.”

With tariffs now cutting deep into bilateral trade, experts argue the moves are largely symbolic, yet politically significant. One thing is certain: China will not back down to American tariffs.