From News Desk
China has strongly opposed the United States’ decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods. The US says this move is to penalise India for buying Russian oil. The Chinese government has categorically said that remaining silent against such “economic bullying” could embolden the US further. Beijing has pledged its support to India, highlighting the importance of their partnership in shaping Asia’s economic and political landscape.
Donald Trump alleges that India’s continuing to buy oil from Russia is indirectly supporting the Russian military operations in Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing from the White House, Trump signed an executive order imposing the new duties and justified his action when questioned about why India was being singled out, even though other nations like China also maintain trade ties with Russia.
The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, criticised the US for using tariffs as a bargaining tool despite having benefited from free trade for many years. He stated, “The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India.”
Xu emphasised that cooperation between India and China is crucial not just for their own development but also for global stability. He remarked, “For two neighbouring countries of such size, unity and cooperation are the only way to achieve common development. We are the double engines of economic growth in Asia. India and China’s unity benefits the world at large.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi labelled the move a violation of international law and a serious threat to global trade stability.
Reacting to the development, India said that these actions are “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”. It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India, the external affairs ministry said in a statement, adding India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests. On Wednesday, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. “We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” he added.
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