Xi Fights Trump's Tariffs With Global Charm Offensive

President Trump has sparked conflict with trading partners around the world with threats of stiff new tariffs on their goods.

- Austin Ramzy, Kim Mackrael & Samantha Pearson

In response, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is now seeking to exploit those tensions and peel countries away from the U.S. But he must first overcome deepening concern about Beijing's own aggressive trade practices.

Xi, facing the steepest U.S. tariffs, is heading a campaign to strengthen partnerships in Europe, Latin America and, with his first trip out of the country since Trump took office, in China's own Asia backyard. The message from Xi and his government is that China is a force for stable trade, positioning Beijing as an antidote to Trump.

To make that pitch convincing, Xi will have to get past longstanding trade and security conflicts with countries that are heavily invested in their relationship with the U.S. Many leaders are cautious about being seen as too close to one side or the other—and fear being trampled by both.

China "is reinforcing ties with third parties struggling to deal with the U.S.-China power play, particularly the Southeast Asian nations," said Zhao Minghao, a professor of international studies at Fudan University in Shanghai.

"Beijing believes it has advantages in its neighboring region and Trump's volatile policy is harming America's credibility and soft power in Asia."

Xi's push comes against a backdrop of tensions between China and much of the world. Cheap Chinese goods have flooded markets in many countries, some of which have responded with tariffs and antidumping actions.

In Europe, officials say China hasn't delivered on pledges to address trade irritants, making them wary of any effort to significantly improve commercial ties. The European Union has pushed to diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on Chinese exports. Last year, Europe—worried about the impact of Chinese cars on its vital auto industry—put tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.