China’s top leadership has vowed to bolster the country’s struggling economy and resist what it described as “unilateral bullying” in global trade, as tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
During a high-level Politburo meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping on Friday, Chinese Communist Party leaders stressed the importance of strengthening domestic economic activity while navigating the ongoing trade war triggered by the United States. The meeting readout, released by state news agency Xinhua, signaled Beijing’s frustration with the mounting tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and its commitment to multilateralism in response.
“We must work with the international community to actively uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateral bullying practices,” the statement read, a clear reference to recent U.S. trade actions. The trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies has seen both sides impose steep tariffs, shaking global markets and threatening supply chains.
The Politburo acknowledged the significant challenges facing China’s economy, including persistent woes in the property sector and sluggish consumer spending. The leadership emphasized the need to “enhance the role of consumption in stimulating economic growth” as a means of offsetting external pressures.
To that end, the meeting called for policies aimed at boosting household incomes and encouraging spending, especially in services. It also highlighted the importance of implementing interest rate cuts at “appropriate times” to stimulate economic activity and support businesses.
The leadership’s focus on domestic consumption marks a shift from China’s traditional export-led growth model and underscores the urgency of insulating the economy from global uncertainties. By tapping into its vast domestic market, China aims to create a more resilient and self-sustaining economic system.
The Politburo’s remarks reflect a broader strategy to stabilize the economy amid external shocks while maintaining a firm stance in trade disputes. As the U.S.-China trade war shows no signs of abating, Beijing’s message is clear: it will defend its interests and economy, while seeking to build alliances committed to fair and rules-based international trade.
