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Beijing opposes 'bully' US for 50% tariffs on India

August 22, 2025

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has openly criticized the United States for imposing steep tariffs on India while advocating for stronger India-China cooperation. The ambassador described the US as a "bully" for implementing tariffs of up to 50% on India, specifically referencing a 25% penalty imposed earlier this month that will take effect on August 27. This criticism comes amid warming relations between India and China following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent two-day visit to Delhi, where both nations expressed interest in viewing each other as partners rather than adversaries.

Who is affected

  • India (facing new US tariffs of up to 50%)
  • Millions of poor Indians (who India claims would be impacted by higher energy costs)
  • Chinese enterprises seeking to operate in India
  • Indian enterprises considering investment in China
  • Global trade system and World Trade Organization (WTO)

What action is being taken

  • The US is imposing a 25% penalty on India in addition to 25% tariffs for buying oil and weapons from Russia
  • China is publicly opposing the US tariffs against India
  • India and China are working toward normalizing their bilateral relations after the 2020 Galwan clashes
  • China is inviting more Indian enterprises to invest in their country
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit

Why it matters

  • The US tariffs are straining relations between Washington and Delhi
  • India's purchase of Russian oil has affected trade deal negotiations with the US
  • The situation represents a potential shift in regional alliances, with China and India possibly moving closer despite their historically tense relationship
  • The tariff situation impacts global economic and trade systems
  • Unity between India and China, as "double engines" of economic growth in Asia, could benefit the world at large

What's next

  • The new US tariff rate on India will come into effect on August 27
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which could give "new impetus to China-India relations"

Read full article from source: BBC