India and China Should Unite Against US Tariff Pressure Says Chinese Embassy Spokesperson
In a statement aimed at fostering greater cooperation between Asia’s two largest economies, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India on Tuesday urged India and China to stand united in response to the rising tariff pressures from the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Speaking via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing emphasized the importance of collaboration between India and China, particularly in the face of what she described as “abuse of tariffs” by the U.S. government.
The China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complementarity and mutual benefit. Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs... the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties,” Yu Jing wrote.
The remarks come amid renewed global concern over protectionist policies and escalating trade tensions, following the Trump administration’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs targeting key trading partners. The move has sparked fears of a trade war and its potential impact on the global economy, especially for emerging markets like India and China.
While India has not been a direct party in the recent tariff measures targeting China, the ripple effects of strained U.S.-China trade relations are expected to impact regional supply chains, investor sentiment, and economic growth across Asia. Both India and China have historically faced challenges under U.S. trade policies, and calls for strategic cooperation have resurfaced in the wake of recent developments.
Analysts see Yu Jing’s statement as a diplomatic gesture aimed at bridging gaps and fostering a collective voice against unilateral trade measures. “This signals Beijing’s intent to build solidarity among developing nations, especially those with significant stakes in global trade,” said a Delhi-based foreign policy expert.
India and China, despite their longstanding border disputes and complex bilateral ties, share common interests in global trade forums such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), BRICS, and G20. Both nations have consistently opposed protectionism and have called for reforms in global trade governance to better represent developing economies.
However, India has also taken a cautious approach when it comes to aligning too closely with China on economic matters. New Delhi has been strengthening trade ties with Western partners, including the U.S., while also promoting its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative to reduce dependency on imports—especially from China.
In this context, the embassy’s call for unity is seen as a strategic push by Beijing to find common ground with regional players amidst its own economic headwinds. China has faced slowing growth and increasing external pressure, particularly in its high-tech and manufacturing sectors, as a result of U.S. sanctions and tariffs.
Meanwhile, Indian policymakers have yet to officially respond to the Chinese statement. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have not issued comments, but observers believe that India is likely to weigh its options carefully, balancing economic pragmatism with strategic caution.
The evolving situation underscores the complexities of 21st-century geopolitics, where economic interdependence intersects with strategic competition. Whether India and China will find meaningful convergence on this issue remains to be seen, but the call for cooperation signals Beijing’s desire to counterbalance Washington’s aggressive trade stance through regional solidarity.
