China not afraid – President Xi Jinping warns Trump

Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, has insisted his country is “not afraid.”

This marks Jinping’s first public comment on the escalating trade war with the United States.

Xi made the remarks while speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The trade war initiated by President Donald Trump has shaken international markets and stoked fears of a global recession.

“There are no winners in a trade war, and going against the world will only lead to self-isolation,” Xi said.

“For over 70 years, China’s development has relied on self-reliance and hard work — never on handouts from others, and it is not afraid of any unjust suppression.”

“Regardless of how the external environment changes, China will remain confident, stay focused, and concentrate on managing its own affairs well.”

Xi’s remarks come shortly after The White House announced that the combined duties imposed by the Donald Trump administration on Chinese goods now total 145 per cent, effective immediately.