Chinese Envoy on US Tariffs: Calls 50% Duties on India ‘Unfair and Unreasonable’
Chinese Envoy on US Tariffs Criticizes 50% Duties on Indian Imports
Chinese Envoy on US Tariffs strongly criticized Washington on Monday for imposing 50% duties on Indian imports, calling the move “unfair and unreasonable” and reaffirming Beijing’s opposition.
Speaking at a seminar marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said:
“The United States has long benefited from free trade. But now it is using tariffs as a weapon to demand exorbitant prices. The 50% tariff on India is unfair, unreasonable, and China firmly opposes it.”
Chinese Envoy Highlights US Trade Approach
Xu accused Washington of exploiting free trade for decades and now weaponizing it. He stressed that such actions disrupt global trade stability and harm emerging economies.
Focus on India-China Cooperation
The Chinese envoy on US tariffs also emphasized the importance of strong India-China ties for global development.
“As the two most significant emerging economies, China and India should prioritize development and foster mutual support. President Xi told PM Modi that India-China cooperation will make the 21st century a genuine Asian century,” Xu said, as reported by ANI.
Context Behind the Tariffs
The US recently imposed an additional 25% levy on August 27 as a secondary sanction linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. This came on top of an existing 25% tariff, bringing the total to 50%.
US President Donald Trump defended the move during a White House press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda. He warned that “Phase-2” and “Phase-3” tariffs could follow for countries maintaining trade ties with Russia.
“Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside China, cost hundreds of billions to Russia? I haven’t done Phase-2 yet or Phase-3,” Trump said.
Trump Warns India Over Russian Oil Imports
Trump reiterated his warning that India could face “big problems” if it continued buying Russian oil.
“Two weeks ago, I said if India buys, India has got big problems, and that’s what happens,” he added.
Trump Claims India Offered ‘No Tariff’ Deal
In a separate interview, Trump claimed that India offered a “no tariff” deal after the US raised duties on Indian goods.
“India was the most highly tariffed nation in the world. After I imposed tariffs, they offered zero tariffs. Without tariffs, they would never make that offer,” he said.
Trump argued that tariffs are essential for rebalancing trade:
“China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs. I understand tariffs better than anyone,” he claimed.
He described the US-India trade relationship as a “one-sided disaster”, saying India benefited disproportionately for decades while American companies faced high barriers.
“They have now offered to cut tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late,” Trump concluded.