May 13, 2025 - Politics & Policy

China's Xi slams "bullying," says there are "no winners" in trade wars

Rebecca Falconer

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the opening ceremony of the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting at The Great Hall of People on May 13, 2025 in Beijing, China. — Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the opening ceremony of the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting Tuesday in Beijing, China. Photo: Florence Lo-Pool/Getty Images

China's leader Xi Jinping took an apparent swipe Tuesday at President Trump's tariff policies.

Why it matters: Xi's first remarks since China and the U.S. agreed to cut tariffs on each other for 90 days were far removed from those in the U.S.-China joint statement that spoke of recognizing the importance of a "mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship."

"There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars," Xi said at the China-CELAC Forum, according to translations.
"Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation," he added.

The big picture: Xi last addressed the forum of over 30 countries that's designed to foster political, economic, cultural and other kinds of cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States during the inaugural event in 2015.

The Chinese leader told Tuesday's event in Beijing that "only through unity and cooperation can countries safeguard global peace and stability and promote worldwide development and prosperity."
Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment early Tuesday.

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China's Xi slams "bullying," says there are "no winners" in trade wars

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