ISTANBUL

China’s President Xi Jinping Wednesday vowed to strengthen ties with neighboring nations amid wide-ranging tariffs imposed by the US administration, roiling markets across the world.

Xi made the pledge during a two-day central neighbors work conference that concluded on Wednesday, state media reported.

The Chinese leader called for “appropriately” managing differences with the neighboring nations, stressing enhanced supply chain ties and “building a community of a shared future.”

These were the first comments by Xi since US President Donald Trump launched reciprocal tariffs on allies and rivals alike.

China is facing 104% tariffs on exports to the US with Trump seeking deals to plug the trade deficit.

Beijing has vowed to protect its market, stressing that it is "fully capable of countering external shocks" and has "enough policy tools" in reserve.

​​​​​​​The reciprocal tariffs, part of Trump’s newly launched global trade framework, became effective at 12.01 am Eastern Time (0401GMT), targeting dozens of countries.

While China bore the highest rate, other nations were also hit hard -- Cambodia with 49%, Vietnam 46%, Thailand 36%, Pakistan 29%, India 26%, South Korea 25%, and Japan with 24%.

“We will not let anyone take away the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development. We will not tolerate any attempt to harm China’s sovereignty, security and development interests,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing when asked about the 104% tariffs imposed by the US.

A White Paper released by Beijing on Wednesday said the US has imposed tariffs on Chinese exports worth more than $500 billion since 2018.