In a powerful statement delivered in New Delhi, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong condemned Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods. His speech, which coincided with a period of turbulence in global trade, underscored China’s willingness to align more closely with India against what he described as the United States’ bullying tactics. The event was not merely a diplomatic exchange but a significant signal in the shifting dynamics of India’s relations with both Washington and Beijing. As India finds itself navigating complex geopolitical waters, Xu’s remarks have drawn attention to the growing importance of India-China cooperation in reshaping the global economic order.
Xu Feihong’s Sharp Criticism of US Tariff Policies
Ambassador Xu Feihong did not mince words in his critique of Washington’s trade policies. He accused the United States of exploiting its position in global commerce, enjoying decades of advantages under free trade, but now resorting to protectionism and coercion. The latest tariffs, some as high as 50 percent on Indian products, were described as a deliberate attempt to pressure India into compliance. Xu likened these measures to a bargaining chip used to extract “exorbitant prices” from nations that refuse to fall in line with Washington’s agenda.
He went further, warning that silence in the face of such actions would only embolden the aggressor. According to Xu, Beijing firmly opposes these unilateral moves, which he argued run counter to the principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and threaten to destabilize the entire global trading system. By openly pledging support for India, Xu positioned China as a defender of multilateralism and fairness in international commerce.
The context of Xu’s remarks lies in India’s recent energy choices, which have placed it at odds with the United States. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, India has sharply increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, taking advantage of the cheaper supplies to cushion its domestic economy against soaring energy prices. Washington has viewed these purchases with suspicion, arguing that they weaken the impact of Western sanctions on Moscow.
However, India has steadfastly defended its decisions. Officials in New Delhi emphasize that as a nation of more than a billion people, heavily dependent on imports for its energy security, it cannot afford to ignore affordable crude sources. Rising fuel costs directly impact millions of poor Indians, and the government maintains that it has a duty to secure energy at the lowest possible prices. Adding an ironic twist, Indian leaders have pointed out that the Biden administration itself encouraged India to buy Russian oil to prevent global shortages and stabilize markets.
Despite this defense, the strain in India-US relations is palpable. The imposition of additional tariffs by the Trump administration earlier this month, particularly the 25 percent penalty linked to India’s energy and defense transactions with Russia, further aggravated the situation. With these measures taking effect on August 27, trade negotiations between Delhi and Washington now face a deep freeze.
China’s Strategic Outreach to India
Xu Feihong’s speech was more than a condemnation of American policies; it was also a carefully crafted invitation for India to strengthen its partnership with China. He described India and China as the “double engines” of Asian economic growth, emphasizing that unity between the two nations could transform not only the continent but also the global economy.
He extended an open invitation to Indian businesses, encouraging them to expand investment in China, where opportunities for collaboration remain vast. At the same time, Xu expressed hope that India would reciprocate by creating a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies operating on its soil. Such measures, he argued, would benefit the people of both countries and demonstrate a shared commitment to mutual prosperity.
By framing India-China cooperation as essential to the world at large, Xu positioned Beijing as a willing partner at a time when Delhi’s relationship with Washington is becoming increasingly complicated. His remarks reflected a strategy of strategic realignment, where China seeks to turn its long-time rival into a potential partner by offering economic incentives and diplomatic reassurance.
It is impossible to ignore the backdrop against which these overtures are being made. Relations between India and China reached a historic low after the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, when soldiers on both sides lost their lives in the violent border skirmish in Ladakh. The incident deeply scarred public opinion in India and led to a sharp deterioration in trust between the two governments.
In the years since, however, both sides have taken small but deliberate steps to rebuild channels of communication. Earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, where he encouraged leaders in both countries to adopt a forward-looking approach and treat each other as partners rather than adversaries. Xu Feihong’s speech carried the same tone, signaling continuity in Beijing’s diplomatic efforts.
Adding to the significance of this moment is the expected participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. Xu noted that this visit could inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations and create opportunities for collaboration on both regional and global platforms.
Xu’s remarks were not limited to India alone; they also reflected a broader frustration with Washington’s growing reliance on tariffs as a political weapon. According to him, the world is witnessing a dangerous erosion of international norms. The rise of “power politics” and what he termed the “law of the jungle” has disrupted global trade flows and undermined trust in institutions like the WTO.
He emphasized that the India-China partnership could serve as a bulwark against such disruption, by jointly defending the principles of free and fair trade. This vision resonates with many developing nations, which have long argued for a more balanced and equitable system that does not disproportionately favor wealthier countries. Xu’s framing of China and India as protectors of multilateralism is part of Beijing’s larger effort to rally support from emerging economies frustrated by American unilateralism.
India’s Balancing Act Between Washington and Beijing
For India, the challenge now is how to manage its increasingly complex foreign policy. On the one hand, the United States remains a crucial partner in defense, technology, and strategic security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. On the other hand, China’s role as India’s largest trading partner cannot be ignored, and greater cooperation with Beijing could unlock significant economic benefits.
Yet, the shadow of mistrust persists. Memories of the border conflict and ongoing disputes continue to weigh heavily on India’s calculations. While economic cooperation may appear promising, national security concerns ensure that Delhi will tread cautiously. India’s future strategy will likely involve a careful balancing act—leveraging relations with both Washington and Beijing without becoming overly dependent on either.
The speech delivered by Xu Feihong in Delhi highlights the changing contours of global diplomacy. As Washington hardens its trade policies and imposes tariffs, India is being pushed to reconsider its options. China, sensing an opportunity, has stepped forward with offers of cooperation and promises of economic partnership.
Whether this leads to a sustained realignment between India and China or remains a temporary response to US pressure is a question that will be answered in the months to come. What is certain, however, is that the global economic order is shifting rapidly. The choices made by Delhi in balancing its relations with Washington and Beijing will shape not just the future of Asia, but also the trajectory of global trade and diplomacy.
