Beijing is going on an international charm campaign to coax other countries hit hard by “Liberation Day” tariffs to take on the U.S.

The developments came as China has struck a publicly defiant tone and Trump sowed confusion by claiming that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Beijing denied.

Mexico’s dual role in global trade — both a nearshoring powerhouse and a potential loophole for tariff evasion — highlights its opportunities and challenges in the U.S.-China trade war.