China seeks EU cooperation to counter US tariffs

China's total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year, official data showed on Monday.

According to the General Administration of Customs, China's exports during the period rose 6.9 percent to 6.13 trillion yuan (about 850.1 billion U.S. dollars), while imports fell 6 percent to 4.17 trillion yuan.

China has expressed its willingness to work with the European Union to checkmate the excessive tariffs the Donald Trump administration imposed last week, denouncing the measures as a destructive act of protectionism that threatens global trade stability.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian condemned Washington's move as "a blatant weaponization of trade policy" that puts US self-interest above international rules.

"This is not just an attack on China but an assault on multilateralism itself," Lin said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. "The US administration's reckless tariffs represent textbook economic bullying that will backfire on the global economy, including European industries and consumers."

The remarks come as China and the EU - the world's second and third largest economies - find common cause in defending the WTO-centered trading system against what both view as American overreach.

"China stands ready to join hands with all partners, including Europe, to uphold international trade rules and promote fairness and justice," Lin said.

"Only through collaboration can we achieve mutual benefit and safeguard the shared interests of the global economy."

Together accounting for over one-third of global GDP and a quarter of world trade, the two powers have increasingly framed themselves as guardians of economic globalization when Washington goes protectionist.

EU officials have echoed concerns about the destabilizing impact of US tariffs, recently warning that "unilateral trade barriers risk fragmenting the global economy."

This alignment creates new opportunities for Beijing and the EU to coordinate their response, analysts say.

Lin emphasized China's readiness to take "all necessary measures" to protect its legitimate interests while keeping the door open for cooperation.

"We stand ready to work with the EU and other responsible partners to uphold fair international trade rules," he said, suggesting potential joint actions at the WTO or coordinated policy responses.

The spokesperson's comments reflect Beijing's strategy to isolate Washington's trade policies internationally while positioning China as a defender of the global economic order.