In response to recent US tariffs on India, the Chinese ambassador urges collaboration between China and India, opposing what he calls American bullying.
Beijing Defends India Against US Tariffs, Calls for Cooperation
Beijing Defends India Against US Tariffs, Calls for Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador to India criticizes US trade measures while promoting stronger China-India ties.
In a recent statement at a Delhi event, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed Beijing's strong opposition to the United States' imposition of high tariffs on India, asserting that such actions resemble bullying. Xu emphasized the need for India and China to enhance their cooperation, arguing that the US has historically enjoyed the benefits of free trade but is now using tariffs as leverage to extract unreasonable concessions from other nations.
"With tariffs reaching as high as 50% on Indian goods and with further threats looming, it is essential to take a stand against such bullying," Xu proclaimed during his remarks. This follows the recent announcement from former President Trump, who put a 25% tariff on India in addition to another 25% for oil and weapon purchases from Russia, effective on August 27. The US's strained relationship with India has intensified due to India's increased import of Russian crude oil, a move the country justifies as necessary for protecting its economically vulnerable population against rising oil prices.
Despite tensions with the US, ties between India and China show signs of improvement. Relations deteriorated after violent clashes occurred in Galwan, Ladakh in 2020, but recent diplomatic efforts suggest an effort to normalize interactions. Notably, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi earlier this week, encouraging both nations to see each other as partners rather than threats.
During his speech, Xu referred to India and China as the "double engines" of Asia's economic growth and called for unity between the two nations, which he argued would benefit the global economy. He urged increased Indian investments in China and called on India to create a fair business environment for Chinese companies. In light of ongoing tariff disputes, Xu noted the disruption of the global trading system and reiterated China’s support for India in upholding a multilateral trading framework centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Looking ahead, Xu expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China would help renew and invigorate China-India relations.
"With tariffs reaching as high as 50% on Indian goods and with further threats looming, it is essential to take a stand against such bullying," Xu proclaimed during his remarks. This follows the recent announcement from former President Trump, who put a 25% tariff on India in addition to another 25% for oil and weapon purchases from Russia, effective on August 27. The US's strained relationship with India has intensified due to India's increased import of Russian crude oil, a move the country justifies as necessary for protecting its economically vulnerable population against rising oil prices.
Despite tensions with the US, ties between India and China show signs of improvement. Relations deteriorated after violent clashes occurred in Galwan, Ladakh in 2020, but recent diplomatic efforts suggest an effort to normalize interactions. Notably, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi earlier this week, encouraging both nations to see each other as partners rather than threats.
During his speech, Xu referred to India and China as the "double engines" of Asia's economic growth and called for unity between the two nations, which he argued would benefit the global economy. He urged increased Indian investments in China and called on India to create a fair business environment for Chinese companies. In light of ongoing tariff disputes, Xu noted the disruption of the global trading system and reiterated China’s support for India in upholding a multilateral trading framework centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Looking ahead, Xu expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China would help renew and invigorate China-India relations.
