Aamir Khan honoured at Macau Comedy Festival: Another soft charm offensive by China to win India back?

China is making efforts to improve relations with India amid the ongoing tariff war with the US.

Amid the ongoing tariff war with the US, China seems to be quietly extending a diplomatic hand to India, using subtle gestures to warm up relations, in its desperate attempt to avoid alienation.

Recently, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan made a rare red-carpet appearance at the Macau International Comedy Festival in China, where he was honored with the prestigious 'Master Humor Award.'

While his presence made headlines in the entertainment world, it also carried geopolitical undertones. Comments by Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, on Aamir Khan’s appearance are being viewed by some as a gesture of soft diplomacy.

Following Khan's remarks at the festival, where he said, "Comedy is an important part of our lives and connects us all," Yu Jing, responded warmly. In a post on X, she wrote, "Heartened by Bollywood icon Aamir Khan’s remarks at the Macau Comedy Festival."

Heartened by Bollywood icon Aamir Khans remarks at Macau Comedy Festival.Comedy is an important part of our lives and connects us all. #MacaoComedyFest#ChinaIndiaCinemapic.twitter.com/Dwf69eTpUS

Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) April 17, 2025

Beijing’s subtle moves to win over India

China has also emphasized India and China, as the world’s two largest developing nations, should join forces to tackle the challenges arising from the tariff measures imposed by the United States under the Donald Trump administration.

“China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit. Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs… the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties,” the embassy spokesperson Yu Jing posted on her X April 8 as Trump imposed the tariffs on countries.

China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers. Chinese manufacturing is built on a complete and continually upgrading industrial system, sustained investment in R&D, and a strong focus on innovation.China is a firm pic.twitter.com/w3QuSCingL Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) April 8, 2025

China made another move towards improving the relations this time in the field of AI.  “China and India lead the world in cloud infrastructure services, a key driver for AI growth,” tweeted Yu Jing.

China then has made another attempt to extend an olive branch and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, shared a video of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussing India-China relations at the recently concluded News18 Rising Bharat Summit. “Hard-won progress, worth cherishing,” she captioned the video post.

Hard-won progress, worth cherishing.Attributed to #RisingBharatSummit2025pic.twitter.com/uU2uTdHabI Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) April 10, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his tour of Southeast Asian nations, emphasized the concept of an “Asian family” in a bid to counter US pressure on countries to reduce trade ties with Beijing.

“Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family,” Xi said in the Malaysian administrative capital of Putrajaya.

China's efforts to improve bilateral doesn't stop here. China has revealed that Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to “Indian friends" within three months till April 9 this year.

“As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China," Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong posted on X.

As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China. pic.twitter.com/4kkENM7nkK Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) April 12, 2025

China has been hit the hardest by former President Trump’s tariffs, which have sent shockwaves through global markets. Chinese imports have faced steep duties, with tariffs reaching as high as 145%.