Amid rising tensions over tariff impositions by the US on India, the Chinese ambassador to India has criticized Washington's approach, urging cooperative ties between India and China while supporting India's energy strategy.
Beijing Critiques US Tariffs on India Amid Thawing Ties with New Delhi
Beijing Critiques US Tariffs on India Amid Thawing Ties with New Delhi
Chinese ambassador labels US as a "bully," advocating for strengthened India-China relations and defending India's oil purchases.
Chinese officials have voiced strong opposition to the United States’ recent imposition of tariffs on India, branding the US as a "bully." During an event in New Delhi on Thursday, the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, condemned the steep tariffs, claiming that they benefit the US at the expense of other nations. "The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened for more," Xu emphasized, stating that silence in the face of such aggressive tactics only strengthens a "bully."
The tariffs, which include a 25% penalty on India earlier this month alongside tariffs related to India's dealings with Russia, have complicated New Delhi's trade relations with Washington. With India relying on cheaper Russian crude amid rising global energy costs, Indian officials defend these purchases as necessary to shield its population from economic pressures. Furthermore, the Biden administration had previously suggested India buy Russian oil to stabilize global markets, highlighting a contradictory stance.
While tensions with the US escalate, analysts observe a warming of relations between India and China. Diplomatic ties, strained since the 2020 clashes in the Galwan Valley, are showing signs of improvement. Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi traveled to Delhi, advocating for a partnership approach rather than adversarial relations. Xu echoed this sentiment, referring to both India and China as "double engines" of economic growth in Asia and underscoring the mutual benefits of enhanced collaboration.
Xu also expressed a desire for greater Indian investment in China, while calling for India to maintain a fair business environment for Chinese enterprises operating within India. He likened the current tariff wars to a disruption of the global economy and called for both nations to uphold the multilateral trading system safeguarded by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Looking ahead, he speculated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China could further invigorate bilateral relations.
