China Stands Firmly with India amidst US Tariff War: Xu Feihong
NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Thursday slammed United States’ tariff action against New Delhi, saying, “China fully opposes it.”
He said such measures were disrupting the global economic system and added that “Silence only emboldens the bully,” affirming that “China will firmly stand with India.”
The tariff hike comes amid escalated trade tensions under the Trump administration, which raised import duties on Indian goods to 50 percent, which includes a 25 percent base tariff plus an additional 25 percent penalty tied to India’s purchase of Russian oil. These sanctions, seen as punitive measures, are scheduled to take effect on August 27, 2025.
The comments also come after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited India this week. Last month, S Jaishankar had visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) meeting. Wang Yi also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, residence and also held a meeting with National Security Adviser in New Delhi.
The remarks come as the US mounts pressure on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil. Feihong further warned that tariff wars, trade wars are disrupting the global economic and trade system. He also called for greater trust and cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing, stressing that the two neighbours should work together instead of competing.
“China and India should enhance strategic mutual trust, and avoid mutual suspicion. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue,” he said. Highlighting the wider importance of the relationship, the Chinese envoy added, “For two neighbouring countries of such size, unity and cooperation are the only way to achieve common development. China and India’s friendship benefits Asia. We are the double engines of economic growth in Asia.” He went on to say that, “India and China’s unity benefits the world at large. India and China have the responsibility to take the lead in promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world.”
The diplomat voiced optimism about Mr Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. “In the coming days, PM Modi will travel to China to attend the SCO Summit. I believe this visit will give a new impetus to China-India relations,” he said. The SCO Summit is scheduled from August 31 to September 1.
(Manas Dasgupta)
