China Opposes Trump Tariffs on India: China has strongly criticised the US decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods. The move has triggered fresh tensions in the global trade landscape. Beijing has not only opposed Washington’s tariff strategy but also vowed to stand firmly with New Delhi, calling India and China the “twin engines of Asia’s growth”.
China stands with India as US raises tariffs
The Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, condemned Washington’s protectionist measures, arguing that the US has long benefited from free trade but is now using tariffs as a bargaining tool.
“The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and threatened to impose even higher tariffs. China strongly opposes this. Silence only emboldens bullies. China will stand firmly with India,” Xu declared in New Delhi.
China remains one of the largest trading partners of India, with 127.7 billion USD of bilateral trade in FY2025. pic.twitter.com/QnOlNosGcw
— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) August 21, 2025
His remarks underscore Beijing’s strategy to project India and China as important partners in maintaining Asia’s economic and political stability, especially at a time when China is facing “economic bullying” by Washington.
India-China: Partners, not rivals
Xu stressed that cooperation between India and China is important not only for their individual development, but also for global peace and stability.
“For two neighbouring countries of such a large size, unity and cooperation is the only way to achieve shared development. We are the twin engines of economic growth in Asia. The whole world benefits from India-China unity,” the envoy said.
He also stressed the importance of resolving differences through mutual trust and dialogue, while assuring that China welcomes all Indian goods in its market.
Border talks and strategic cooperation
Shu’s remarks came after the 24th round of talks between special representatives on the border issue, co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on August 19.
The discussions reportedly reached a consensus on 10 points, including the formation of an expert group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to find solutions to the boundary demarcation. The two sides also agreed to establish new general-level mechanisms in the eastern and central sectors of the border.
“The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and properly resolving the issue through friendly consultations,” Xu said.
Expanding trade and water cooperation
On the trade front, India and China agreed to reopen three traditional border trade markets – Renqinggang-Changgu, Pulan-Gunji and Jiuba-Namgya. The next round of border talks is scheduled to be held in China in 2026.
Additionally, the two countries also discussed cooperation on trans-border rivers. Xu affirmed that China will strengthen information-sharing under the expert-level mechanism and provide hydrological data during emergencies, thereby bolstering humanitarian commitments.
Global significance: Multipolar effort against US dominance
By opposing Washington’s tariff measures and allying with India, Beijing is sending a strong message of its strategic vision for Asia and the world. Xu presented this partnership as part of building an “equal and orderly multipolar world” that directly challenges the economic dominance of the United States under President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
For New Delhi, this alliance presents both opportunities and challenges – although cooperation with China can strengthen its trade and strategic position, resolving differences on the border still remains important.