India-China Partners, Not Rivals: Chinese Ambassador Backs India Amid Steep Tariffs, Calls US ‘a Bully’

China has hit the United States on Thursday with fierce criticism against the tariffs imposed on India. On Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong called the US 'a bully' and came out strongly against Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods.

Xu said China 'firmly opposed' the move and assured that Beijing would stand with India and called for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. He accused Washington of hypocrisy and argued that the US had long benefited from free trade but was now weaponising tariffs as tools of bargain.

“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,” he stated.

The envoy further mentioned that India and China, as major powers with independent foreign policies, should not let external pressures dictate their choices.

The world is currently undergoing its most “profound transformation since World War II”, Xu said while adding, “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.

The ambassador also emphasised 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.

In addition to the statements of partnership, Xu also hinted on Beijing’s willingness to broaden cooperation on multiple fronts, from trade to travel.

He said that discussions are currently under way between India and China to resume direct flights while 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.”

The envoy also said China welcomes Indian commodities into its market and thereby wants to “enlarge the cake of cooperation”. He added, “We are willing to work with India to enhance development of our strategies, by positioning Beijing as a partner rather than a competitor.