Beijing urges India to ‘stand together’ in response to US trade pressure, marking a notable shift in tone amid strained ties since the 2020 Galwan clash.
April 9, 2025: New Delhi:
In a rare moment of diplomatic outreach, China has urged India to “stand together” as both nations face the brunt of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, which now includes a staggering 104% duty on Chinese goods.
The Chinese Embassy in New Delhi issued a pointed statement on Tuesday, urging India to resist US protectionism. “Facing the US’ abuse of tariffs… the largest developing countries should stand together,” spokesperson Yu Jing said on social platform X, adding that the India-China economic partnership is built on “mutual benefit.”
China's economy is underpinned by a system that ensures steady growth, and produces positive spillovers. Chinese manufacturing is built on a complete and continually upgrading industrial system, sustained investment in R&D, and a strong focus on innovation.
— Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) April 8, 2025
China is a firm… pic.twitter.com/w3QuSCingL
This comes amid a deepening US-China trade war triggered by Trump’s latest round of tariffs and Beijing’s retaliatory measures. While the rhetoric between Washington and Beijing grows more hostile, China’s tone toward India appears to have softened significantly — likely motivated by geopolitical necessity.
Also Read: China Vows to “Fight to the End” as Trump’s 104% Tariffs Spark Global Economic Showdown
The message also carried a broader warning to the US, criticizing unilateralism and declaring that trade wars have no winners. China reaffirmed its position as a pillar of global economic growth, contributing about 30% to annual worldwide expansion, and promised continued commitment to multilateral trade systems.
India has not yet formally responded to Beijing’s latest outreach.
🤝 Shifting Ties Amid Rising Tensions
Notably, this overture follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s earlier message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, advocating closer cooperation. China’s foreign minister also recently urged the two Asian giants to “make the dragon and elephant dance” — a metaphor for peaceful and productive coexistence.
These conciliatory gestures mark a stark contrast from the strained relationship that followed the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. While both nations continue to grapple with border tensions, recent developments — including a border patrol agreement in October 2024 — have slightly improved diplomatic engagement.
💼 India’s Tariff Situation
Meanwhile, India has so far escaped the brunt of Trump’s tariff onslaught. Although the US President labeled Delhi a “major abuser of tariffs,” he granted India “discounted” reciprocal tariffs at 26% on select goods, including steel — lower than those slapped on China.
There’s growing concern that pharmaceutical exports might be next in line for duties, which could hit India’s $8.7 billion pharma trade with the US hard.
Despite the blow, India has opted not to retaliate. Government officials told Reuters that New Delhi will instead focus on negotiation and tariff adjustments to avoid escalation.
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India China relations, US China trade war, Trump tariffs, India US trade, China outreach to India, Galwan Valley, Rafale deal, global trade war, Chinese Embassy India, WTO, multilateral trade, India economic diplomacy, Xi Jinping Modi