French Prime Minister François Bayrou has warned that it is both naive and risky to believe China could step in as a substitute for the United States in global trade. Amid growing trade tensions,

he called on European Union (EU) nations to remain united.

"The idea that the United States could be replaced by China is a terribly dangerous one," Bayrou told reporters on Friday during a visit to a cheese and wine fair.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spain's prime minister and emphasized the importance of China and the EU working together to support globalization and oppose what he called "unilateral acts of bullying"—a clear reference to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures.

Trade Turmoil: Trump’s Shifting Policies

Bayrou also stressed the need for EU solidarity in light of the unpredictability surrounding U.S. trade policy.

"When the President of the United States raises tariffs, it's an earthquake. But when he reverses course 48 hours later, it’s another earthquake," Bayrou said.

Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron commented on Trump's decision to temporarily suspend tariffs for 90 days, describing the move as a "fragile pause."

“The partial suspension of American tariffs for 90 days sends a signal and leaves room for dialogue. But it's a fragile opening,” Macron posted on X. Photo by Rama, Wikimedia commons.