Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed his disapproval of the United States' recent imposition of up to 50% tariffs on India, labeling Washington's actions as "bully tactics." Speaking at an event in Delhi, Xu urged for increased cooperation between India and China, stating that silence in the face of such aggressiveness only serves to embolden the US.
The newly imposed tariffs, which were introduced by the Trump administration, added a 25% penalty alongside another 25% charge on India's oil and weapons purchases from Russia. This new regulatory stance is set to take effect on August 27th and contrasts sharply with India's recent uptick in Russian oil imports amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, a move that has strained ties with the US and complicated trade negotiations.
India has maintained that it must purchase the most cost-effective oil available to ensure energy security for its population, while also highlighting prior US encouragement to India regarding Russian oil purchases to stabilize global energy prices.
As Delhi navigates uncertain trade relations with the US, recent developments signal a warming of ties between India and China. Relations between the two countries soured after the 2020 clashes in Ladakh, but both nations appear to be taking steps toward normalization, highlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Delhi. During his visit, Yi emphasized the importance of viewing each other as partners rather than adversaries.
Xu further echoed these sentiments, referring to India and China as the "double engines" of Asia's economic growth. He invited Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in China while advocating for a fair business environment for Chinese firms operating in India, emphasizing that a collaborative approach would benefit both nations.
Xu cautioned about the adverse effects of tariff conflicts and trade wars on the global economy, criticizing the current trend of power politics. He reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting India in upholding the multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Looking ahead, Xu expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's imminent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit could provide fresh momentum for China-India relations, hoping to foster a cooperative and prosperous future for both countries.
