China is looking to mend a strained trading relationship with the European Union, the last open major market for its products, to weather a trade war with the United States. But diplomats and analysts say breaking a prolonged stalemate won't be easy.

The European Union cleared retaliatory tariffs against the United States, while China imposed its own levies as President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of countries around the world took effect.

Beijing on Friday increased its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, hitting back against President Donald Trump's decision to hike duties on Chinese goods to 145%.