China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, condemned recent US tariffs on Indian goods as “bullying” and called for a renewed partnership between Asia’s two largest economies.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Xu said, “The US imposed up to 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products. China firmly opposes this. Silence only emboldens the bully. We will stand with India. China and India are not rivals. We are partners. We must act as the double engines of economic growth for Asia.”
Declaring that “China welcomes all Indian commodities into the Chinese market,” Xu framed Beijing’s stance as one of economic solidarity with India, at a time when global trade tensions with Washington are escalating.
The ambassador called for a reset in China-India ties, urging both sides to “enhance strategic mutual trust” and “avoid mutual suspicion.”
The remarks come amid signs of thawing relations after years of strained ties and border tensions. Xu pointed to the resumption of Indian pilgrimages to the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet, along with India’s renewed issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals, as “positive signals.”
“In this time of the most profound global shifts since World War II, China and India must lead the way toward a multipolar world,” Xu said. “We are both major developing countries, both at critical stages of national rejuvenation. Our cooperation benefits not only our people but all of Asia.”
The statement marks a notable pivot in Beijing’s regional diplomacy, as it seeks to position itself alongside India in resisting U.S. trade pressure and reshaping the global order.
With growing friction between Washington and both Asian giants, Xu’s speech hints at a potential strategic realignment - one that could redefine regional power balances and economic dynamics for years to come.
China remains one of the largest trading partners of India, with 127.7 billion USD of bilateral trade in FY2025.