India and China Should Stand Together Against US Abuse of Tariffs: Chinese Official

As trade tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, a senior Chinese official has called for stronger regional alliances — specifically urging India and China to unite in opposition to what he described as the "abuse of tariffs" by the US government. This statement comes in the wake of a significant hike in tariffs on US goods, with China increasing levies from 84% to 125% on select items.

A Call for Unity in Asia

Speaking at a global trade and economic forum held in Beijing on April 10, the Chinese official, whose name has not been formally disclosed by state media, emphasized the importance of regional solidarity. He stated:

“There are no winners in a trade war. Instead of engaging in mutual competition, Asian economies like India and China must stand together to protect the interests of the Global South and ensure the integrity of international trade frameworks.”

The official also took aim at the United States’ history of imposing unilateral tariffs, accusing it of weaponizing trade policies for political and economic dominance.

Background: The Tariff Tensions

The latest round of trade restrictions was triggered by a breakdown in negotiations over technology transfers and semiconductor exports. The US accused China of unfair trade practices, prompting another wave of sanctions and duties. In response, Beijing retaliated with one of its steepest hikes in tariffs in years.

While the US-China tariff war has largely centered around their bilateral relations, it has had ripple effects on global markets, with countries like India caught in the economic crossfire. India itself has been critical of certain US trade practices, particularly those impacting its pharmaceutical and steel exports.

India’s Strategic Position

India has thus far taken a balanced approach, maintaining trade relations with both countries while pushing for self-reliance through its "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. While India has expressed concerns about protectionism, it has avoided taking explicit sides in the US-China dispute.

However, the Chinese official’s comments hint at Beijing’s desire to create a united Asian front to counter what it perceives as Western economic aggression. Such an alliance, if realized, could have deep implications for global trade alignments.

Economic Experts Weigh In

Trade analysts believe the call for India-China unity is more symbolic than strategic — especially given the two countries’ recent history of border tensions and divergent geopolitical interests.

“This statement is more about optics than action,” says Ananya Joshi, a trade policy expert. “India is unlikely to commit to any unified front with China while relations remain strained. But it does show how concerned China is about the growing isolation it faces in the global trade arena.”

What Lies Ahead

While the likelihood of a formal India-China trade alliance remains low, the Chinese official’s appeal reflects the broader sentiment emerging in parts of Asia: that unilateral protectionism by global superpowers is hurting developing economies the most.

Whether this rhetoric results in any tangible regional collaboration remains to be seen. But as trade wars intensify, countries like India may find themselves increasingly pressured to choose sides — or carve out new paths of their own.