China Backs India Amid US Trade Tensions
China’s envoy to India, Xu Feihong, has expressed strong support for India, criticizing the United States for imposing high tariffs on New Delhi. Speaking in New Delhi, Xu described the US measures as “bullying” and said China “firmly stands with India” in defending fair trade through the World Trade Organization.
Xu highlighted that the US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened further actions. He said, “In the face of such acts, silence or compromise only emboldens the bully.”
The statements came after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a two-day visit to India, his first in three years, during which he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both countries are now preparing for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where Modi is expected to meet President Xi Jinping.
Strengthening Ties Amid Global Challenges
The two Asian giants have accelerated efforts to improve relations after the deadly 2020 border clash. Recent tensions rose when the Trump administration threatened punitive measures against India for buying discounted Russian oil. In response, India held talks with Russia, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meeting President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Xu described China-India friendship as a benefit to the region, calling both nations “double engines of economic growth in Asia.” He welcomed the possibility of Indian commodities being redirected to the Chinese market.
Border Progress and Trade Boost
On the border issue, Xu confirmed that India and China reached a 10-point consensus. Two new groups will be established: one to finalize the delimitation of disputed areas and another for border management.
During recent talks between Wang Yi and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, both sides agreed to resume direct flights for the first time since 2020, enhance trade and investment, and continue border negotiations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of stable relations, stating that “predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity.”
