**In an address in Delhi, China's ambassador Xu Feihong labeled the US as a "bully" for imposing steep tariffs on India, urging both countries to foster collaborative economic growth.**
**China Criticizes US Tariffs on India: A Call for Closer Sino-Indian Ties**
**China Criticizes US Tariffs on India: A Call for Closer Sino-Indian Ties**
**Chinese Ambassador in India denounces hefty tariffs imposed by the US and advocates for stronger cooperation between India and China.**
China's ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, raised concerns about the recent implementation of high tariffs by the United States on Indian goods and called for enhanced cooperation between India and China during an event in New Delhi. Xu described the US's actions as reminiscent of a "bully," asserting that the country has historically benefited from free trade yet is now leveraging tariffs as a means to extract "exorbitant prices" from other nations. He remarked, "The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and has even threatened to increase them further. Silence only emboldens the bully."
The tensions escalated earlier in the month when the Trump administration announced additional penalties on Indian imports, instituting a 25% tariff as well as a similar rate on oil and weapon purchases from Russia, effective August 27. India's increased Russian oil imports since the onset of the Ukraine war have strained its relationship with the US, complicating ongoing trade negotiations. New Delhi defends its actions, stating that, as a significant energy purchaser, it must prioritize acquiring the most affordable crude oil to shield its underprivileged citizens from rising expenses, while noting that the Biden administration previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets.
Amid these trade tensions with the US, a warming of relations between India and China is becoming apparent. The two nations' relationship soured following violent encounters in Ladakh in 2020, but there are signs they are working towards re-establishing normal ties. This week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, emphasizing the necessity for India and China to view one another as "partners" instead of adversaries or threats. Echoing similar sentiments, Xu urged strengthened economic connections at a recent gathering, highlighting the importance of viewing India and China as "double engines" of economic growth in Asia, which benefits global interests.
He also encouraged Indian businesses to invest in China and expressed hopes for India to provide a "fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment" for Chinese firms operating within its borders. Xu argued that escalating tariff wars are causing disruption in the global economy, manipulating power dynamics that compromise international rules and order. He reiterated China's commitment to supporting India in maintaining a multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its foundation, suggesting that the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit would provide a revitalizing boost to their bilateral relations.
The tensions escalated earlier in the month when the Trump administration announced additional penalties on Indian imports, instituting a 25% tariff as well as a similar rate on oil and weapon purchases from Russia, effective August 27. India's increased Russian oil imports since the onset of the Ukraine war have strained its relationship with the US, complicating ongoing trade negotiations. New Delhi defends its actions, stating that, as a significant energy purchaser, it must prioritize acquiring the most affordable crude oil to shield its underprivileged citizens from rising expenses, while noting that the Biden administration previously encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets.
Amid these trade tensions with the US, a warming of relations between India and China is becoming apparent. The two nations' relationship soured following violent encounters in Ladakh in 2020, but there are signs they are working towards re-establishing normal ties. This week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, emphasizing the necessity for India and China to view one another as "partners" instead of adversaries or threats. Echoing similar sentiments, Xu urged strengthened economic connections at a recent gathering, highlighting the importance of viewing India and China as "double engines" of economic growth in Asia, which benefits global interests.
He also encouraged Indian businesses to invest in China and expressed hopes for India to provide a "fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment" for Chinese firms operating within its borders. Xu argued that escalating tariff wars are causing disruption in the global economy, manipulating power dynamics that compromise international rules and order. He reiterated China's commitment to supporting India in maintaining a multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its foundation, suggesting that the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit would provide a revitalizing boost to their bilateral relations.
