China calls US ‘a bully’, backs India on tariffs; says it will welcome Indian goods in its markets

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect from August 27. (In the image: Foreign Ministers of China and India, Wang Yi & S Jaishankar, respectively )

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Thursday came out strongly against Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, terming the United States 'a bully'. He said China 'firmly opposed' the move and vowed that Beijing would stand with India, while also calling for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between Asia’s two biggest neighbours.

“Silence only emboldens the bully”

Speaking in New Delhi, Xu accused Washington of hypocrisy, arguing that the US had long benefited from free trade but was now weaponising tariffs as bargaining tools.

“US has long benefited from free trade but now uses tariffs as bargain chips. US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India,” Xu said.

The envoy added that India and China, as major powers with independent foreign policies, should not allow external pressure to dictate their choices.

#WATCH | China's ambassador to India, Xu Feihong says, "...US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened for more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India ." pic.twitter.com/0iMehF2K6e

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025

The envoy added that both India and China were major powers with independent foreign policies and should not bow to external pressure.

A turbulent world, a stronger case for India-China ties

Xu said the world was undergoing its most “profound transformation since World War II”, and that in this moment of turbulence, the importance of India-China relations was more evident than ever.

“At this moment of turbulence and change, the significance of China and India relations has become increasingly evident. China-India cooperation benefits both countries. Both are important neighbours and major developing nations, at a critical stage of national rejuvenation,” he said.

#WATCH | China's ambassador to India, Xu Feihong says, "...China and India should enhance strategic mutual trust, and avoid mutual suspicion. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue..." pic.twitter.com/UHGKIN6aU2

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2025

The ambassador stressed that the two countries should enhance strategic mutual trust, manage differences through dialogue, and avoid mutual suspicion. “China and India are partners, not rivals,” he added.

Trade, flights, and people-to-people links

Xu signalled Beijing’s willingness to broaden cooperation on multiple fronts, from trade to travel.

Direct flights: Discussions are under way between India and China to resume direct flights, he confirmed, adding: “China is willing to work with India to continue friendly exchanges in all walks of life so that people of our countries can visit each other like relatives.”

Trade: The envoy said China welcomes Indian commodities into its market and wants to “enlarge the cake of cooperation”.

🇮🇳🇨🇳 #BREAKING: China's ambassador to India, Xu Feihong says, "We welcome all Indian commodities to enter the Chinese market." #IndiaChina #TrumpTariffs pic.twitter.com/hidFokzK5h

— Utkarsh Chauhan (@utkarshc117) August 21, 2025

— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) August 21, 2025

Strategic partnership: “We are willing to work with India to enhance development of our strategies,” Xu said, positioning Beijing as a partner rather than a competitor.

The tariff flashpoint

The immediate backdrop to Xu’s remarks is the 50 percent US tariff on Indian goods, a 25 percent trade duty plus an additional 25 percent penalty for importing Russian oil. Washington has accused New Delhi of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through its discounted oil purchases.

The tariffs will take effect from August 27, making them among the harshest trade measures India has faced.