As tensions escalate in the ongoing trade standoff with the United States, China has stepped up its diplomatic outreach to key global partners, holding talks with Saudi Arabia and South Africa on Thursday to coordinate responses to the latest wave of U.S. tariffs.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Minister Wang Wentao held separate video calls with his Saudi and South African counterparts to exchange views on Washington’s “reciprocal tariffs” and explore avenues for strengthening bilateral trade cooperation.
In his discussion with Saudi Arabia’s Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Wang emphasized expanding collaboration not only bilaterally but also through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Meanwhile, during talks with South Africa’s Parks Tau, Wang touched on the potential roles of both G20 and BRICS in countering U.S. economic pressure.
While the ministry did not disclose detailed outcomes from the conversations, the outreach reflects Beijing’s growing efforts to rally international support in the face of mounting U.S. trade restrictions.
China Rallies Allies as U.S. Raises Tariffs Again
China’s diplomatic push comes amid a dramatic escalation in its trade dispute with the United States. Refusing to enter fresh negotiations with Washington, Beijing has vowed to “fight to the end” in what it calls an unjust tariff war. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145 percent.
The latest round of U.S. tariffs—initially announced at 125 percent on Wednesday—was raised further after including a separate 20 percent penalty linked to China’s alleged role in fentanyl production.
China has swiftly retaliated with its own tariffs, imposing an 84 percent duty on a wide range of American goods, which came into effect Thursday.
Trump, meanwhile, has offered a temporary reprieve to other nations, announcing a 90-day pause on new tariffs for most countries in an effort to invite negotiations. However, Beijing remains firmly opposed to entering talks under pressure, and many countries have been reluctant to openly align with China in the dispute.
Xi Jinping to Embark on Southeast Asia Tour
Amid these developments, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia next week, the Foreign Ministry announced Friday. The state visit, scheduled from Monday through Friday, will focus on deepening regional ties and likely include discussions on trade and geopolitical cooperation.
The timing of Xi’s tour underscores China’s strategy of reinforcing alliances in Asia and the Global South as it navigates an increasingly confrontational global trade environment.
