Amid escalating trade tensions, China's ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, denounces the US's arbitrary tariffs on India, urging for stronger ties between Beijing and Delhi as both nations navigate their complex trade relationships.
China Slams US Tariffs on India, Calls for Enhanced Sino-Indian Cooperation
China Slams US Tariffs on India, Calls for Enhanced Sino-Indian Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong criticizes US tariffs on India, emphasizing the importance of mutual collaboration.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has loudly condemned the United States for imposing tariffs as high as 50% on Indian goods, describing Washington's actions as a display of bullying. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Xu urged a cooperative approach between India and China, asserting that the US has long taken advantage of free trade principles while now resorting to tariffs to pressure other countries.
"The US has imposed hefty 25% tariffs in addition to existing ones on various imports from India, particularly targeting oil and military purchases from Russia. China firmly stands against this," Xu stated, emphasizing the need for collective defiance against US pressure tactics. These tariff measures are set to take effect on August 27, further complicating India’s trade relations with the US.
India has maintained that its decision to purchase affordable Russian oil, especially in light of the Ukraine conflict, is essential to shield its citizens from rising energy prices. The Indian government highlighted that US authorities had previously encouraged India to engage with Russian resources to stabilize global energy markets, creating a complex dynamic in the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Washington.
In parallel, Beijing and Delhi appear to be mending their relationship, which had soured after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley during 2020. Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi and stated the need for both nations to regard each other as partners instead of adversaries. Xu echoed similar sentiments, touting India and China as Asia's "double engines" for economic growth. He invited Indian businesses to invest in China, while urging India to foster a fair business environment for Chinese firms.
"Current global trade conflicts are creating instability in economic systems and undermining international rules," Xu warned, alluding to the disruptions caused by the US's adversarial stance. He expressed hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit would enhance bilateral ties, paving the way for cooperative efforts in alleviating trade tensions.
