China has strongly opposed the 50% US Tariff imposed by the US on India, calling it unfair and detrimental to global trade.
On Monday, China’s Ambassador to India, Shu Feihong, criticized Washington’s policies, accusing the US of “using trade as a weapon.” He argued that while the US benefited from free trade for years, it is now damaging the global system with unjust tariffs.
Xi Jinping Raises Concerns at BRICS
At a seminar marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II, Ambassador Shu said the US tariff on India was “unreasonable and unacceptable.” He added that President Xi Jinping had already raised this issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had highlighted that India-China cooperation would be crucial in shaping the 21st century as the Asian century.
China believes America’s tariff policy threatens not just India but the entire global South’s economy.
Later on Monday, President Xi addressed BRICS leaders via video link and reiterated his criticism of Washington. He said US tariffs were disrupting the global economy and violating international trade rules.
Warning Against “Protectionism”
Without naming the US or then-President Donald Trump, Xi said, “The world is witnessing changes unseen in a century. At such a time, hegemonism and protectionism are on the rise.”
He warned that trade wars and heavy tariffs were creating instability in global markets and weakening the international economic system.
A Challenge for BRICS
The US tariffs have become a major challenge for BRICS members: India, Brazil, China, Russia, and South Africa. The 50% duty on India and China has sparked uncertainty across emerging economies.
Xi urged BRICS nations to stand together with a spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation. He stressed the need to defend multilateralism and global trading systems, saying unity could help them resist US pressure and protect fairness for the global south.
Call for Stronger Global South Voice
Xi also highlighted the importance of greater representation for southern countries in global decision-making. He said BRICS should push for democracy in international relations and reforms in global governance.
Calling the meeting “highly relevant,” Xi underlined that strengthening the voice of the global south was not just important, but “the need of the hour.”