‘US has long benefitted from free trade’: Chinese envoy slams 50% tariffs on India; calls them ‘unfair, unreasonable’

China took aim at the United States on Monday, sharply criticizing its 50% tariffs on Indian imports, calling the move “unfair, unreasonable” and making it clear that Beijing firmly opposes the move.

China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong said that Washington has long taken advantage of free trade, but is now using it as a weapon.

Speaking at a seminar marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xu 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.”

The ambassador also stressed the importance of strong India-China ties for global development. “As the two most significant emerging economies, China and India should prioritise development and foster mutual support and success. This is what President Xi told PM Modi. PM Modi said that India-China cooperation will make the 21st century a genuine Asian century,” ANI reported him as saying.

Xu’s remarks, delivered under the theme Learning from History to Safeguard the Light of Peace, Joining Hands to Chart a Blueprint for Development, highlighted the shared history of both nations and their commitment to peace and progress in Asia.

His comments come amid growing economic uncertainty after the US imposed a an additional 25% levy on 27 August as a secondary sanction linked to India’s purchases of Russian crude. This came on the top of an already existing 25% tariff on Indian imports to the country, taking the total to 50%.

US President Donald Trump defended these measures and warned that “Phase-2” and “Phase-3” tariffs have not yet been implemented against countries maintaining trade ties with Russia.

Speaking at a White House press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, he said the secondary sanctions on India targeted Russia’s oil exports. “Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside China, they are almost equal. Would you say there was no action? That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia, you call that no action? I haven't done Phase-2 yet or Phase-3,” he said.

Trump also reiterated his earlier warning that India could face “big problems” if it continued Russian oil imports. “Two weeks ago, I said if India buys, India has got big problems, and that's what happens,” he added.

In a separate interview on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, the US president further claimed that New Delhi had offered a “no tariff” deal following the US decision to raise duties on Indian goods. “India was the most highly tariffed nation in the world, and you know what, they've offered me no tariffs in India anymore. If I didn't have tariffs, they would never make that offer,” he said.

Trump further stressed that tariffs are essential for rebalancing trade.

“China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs. I've understood tariffs better than any human beings in the world,” he claimed. Further, describing the US-India trade relationship as a “one-sided disaster,” he added that India had benefited disproportionately over decades, while American companies struggled to enter the Indian market due to high duties. “They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it's getting late. Until now, it was a totally one-sided relationship for many decades,” he concluded.