NEW DELHI– China voiced strong support for India on Thursday in the face of steep U.S. tariffs, with Beijing’s envoy in New Delhi urging closer cooperation between the two Asian powers.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong condemned Washington’s move to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, warning that staying silent would only encourage “the bully.”
“China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India,” Xu said while speaking at an event organized by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF). He accused the United States of benefiting from free trade for decades but now resorting to tariffs as bargaining weapons.
Xu emphasized that India and China should work together to resist unilateral restrictions. He also extended an invitation for stronger economic cooperation, saying China is open to more Indian exports in sectors such as IT, software, and biomedicine, while highlighting China’s strengths in electronics, infrastructure, and clean energy.
“If connected, the two major markets will produce an effect of one plus one bigger than two,” he remarked.
The ambassador encouraged Indian firms to invest in China and expressed hope that New Delhi would ensure a fair environment for Chinese businesses operating in India.
His comments come as both countries attempt to reset ties after years of strain. Former Indian diplomats at the event noted the delicate balance of competition and cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador (Retd) Neelam D. Sabharwal described India-China relations as “unique,” shaped by both ancient connections and periods of disruption. She welcomed recent outreach as a positive step following nearly five years of tension.
Ambassador Venkatesh Varma placed the discussion in a broader global context, pointing to the role of forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in promoting regional stability and countering extremism. He recalled India’s decision to join the SCO in 2017 after positive experiences in other groupings like BRICS and RIC.
The exchange underscored how India and China continue to navigate a complex relationship, balancing rivalry with the recognition that cooperation could carry significant weight in a shifting world order. (Source: IANS)
