Chinese Ambassador Criticizes U.S. Tariffs, Warns Against Silence

Fast Summary

• Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong criticized the U.S.’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, calling them an example of “bullying” that undermines the multilateral trading system.
• Xu declared China’s “firm” support for India in upholding World Trade Association principles and opposing U.S. trade policies.
• His speech highlighted improved China-India ties after a Modi-Xi meeting in 2024,noting a rise in bilateral trade to $75 billion (up 10% from last year),more visas issued,and resumed cultural exchanges like the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
• Xu’s remarks included calls for joint counterterrorism efforts between India, Pakistan, and China-a stance likely viewed with skepticism by New Delhi due to existing regional tensions.
• Former Indian officials at the event stressed boundary resolution progress following meetings between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister wang Yi earlier this week, citing a positive shift toward addressing border issues via dialogue.
• Analysts noted India’s strategic opportunity at the upcoming SCO Summit hosted by China to strengthen multipolarity in regional politics and improve bilateral ties within broader frameworks like counterterrorism cooperation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The timing of Ambassador Xu Feihong’s speech underscores its significance ahead of key discussions at September’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. His sharp critique of U.S.-imposed tariffs on Indian goods reflects China’s growing alignment with multilateralism while signaling deeper economic solidarities with India amidst shared grievances over aggressive trade policies from Western powers.

While his recognition of strides made in resetting strained India-China relations is notable-especially improvements in trade volume and cultural exchange-it contrasts starkly against Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan on sensitive matters like cross-border terrorism. such remarks may complicate New Delhi’s receptiveness toward narratives emphasizing cooperation while mistrust persists over unresolved security concerns.

Progress on de-escalating border tensions through structured dialogues could help restore trust if tangible steps are achieved rapidly under agreed guidelines-a critical factor given historical distrust stemming from incidents like Galwan clashes.

India must navigate these dynamics during SCO deliberations strategically to leverage its positioning as both a cooperative partner within Asia-Pacific frameworks and an independent political entity capable of balancing relations across global poles as multipolarity evolves regionally.

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