Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong voiced Beijing's strong opposition to the US's imposition of steep tariffs on India during an event in Delhi on Thursday. Xu condemned the US's tactics, characterizing it as a "bully" that has exploited free trade but is now employing tariffs as a "bargaining chip" to coerce other nations into compliance.
"The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and has even threatened more," Xu remarked. "China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully," he stated, emphasizing the need for a united front against such trade aggression.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions by enforcing a 25% penalty on Indian imports, in addition to another 25% tariff on purchases of oil and weapons from Russia, effective August 27. Amid rising global oil prices, India has defended its procurement of discounted Russian crude, asserting that as a significant energy importer, it is compelled to seek the most affordable options to protect millions from escalating costs. Contradicting the tense situation, the Biden administration had previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize international energy markets.
As US-India trade relations face obstacles, there seems to be a thaw in India-China ties. Relations between the two neighboring countries deteriorated following the 2020 border clashes in Galwan Valley but have been progressing towards normalization since. This week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, promoting the notion that India and China should see each other as "partners" rather than threats.
Xu echoed these sentiments, recognizing India and China as "double engines" for economic growth in Asia and advocating for unity that would benefit both nations and the world at large. He encouraged increased Indian investments in China and expressed hope for a "fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment" for Chinese enterprises in India to foster cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Xu highlighted the detrimental effects of tariff and trade wars on the global economy, suggesting that current power dynamics have disrupted international rules and order. He reaffirmed that China stands firmly with India in advocating for a multilateral trading system anchored by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Xu believes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit will further invigorate China-India relations.
