China Supports India Against Trump’s Tariffs, Advocates for Stronger Bilateral Ties

Following Russia’s announcement of continued oil supply to India at a 5% discount, China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, stated that China facilitates the entry of all Indian goods into the Chinese market. He emphasized the importance of the India-China relationship, viewing both nations as crucial developing countries and key neighbors in a period of national rejuvenation. Xu Feihong highlighted that the friendship between India and China benefits Asia, describing them as the ‘double engines of economic growth in Asia.’ He underscored that their unity serves the greater good, and that both nations share the responsibility to lead in establishing an equal and orderly multipolar world. Xu Feihong characterized the U.S. as a ‘bully’ and strongly condemned Trump’s intention to impose tariffs of up to 50% on India. He expressed that China will firmly stand with India. He also mentioned positive steps taken to enhance people-to-people ties, such as the resumption of visits by Indian pilgrims to sacred sites in China and the resumption of tourist visas to Chinese nationals by India. Xu Feihong expressed optimism about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit, anticipating it would provide fresh momentum to the relationship between China and India.