China has openly thrown its support behind India in its growing trade dispute with the United States, in a move that highlights the shifting geopolitical dynamics of Asia. On August 21, Beijing’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, strongly condemned Washington’s decision to impose additional tariffs on Indian imports, branding the United States a “bully” and vowing that China would stand “firmly” with New Delhi.

Speaking in New Delhi, Xu accused the US of weaponizing tariffs to coerce other nations into making political and economic concessions. “The US has long benefited from free trade but now uses tariffs as bargaining chips,” Xu said. “The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and is threatening to impose more. China firmly opposes it. In the face of such acts, silence or compromise only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India.”

The timing of Beijing’s message is significant. The latest US tariffs-an additional 25% levy on Indian imports-are set to take effect on August 27. They follow earlier punitive duties placed on Indian goods after trade talks between New Delhi and Washington collapsed. Washington has justified its actions by pointing to India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, which it argues undermines Western sanctions against Moscow. For India, however, access to affordable Russian energy has become a key component of its economic stability.

Xu’s remarks come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This gathering could mark another........

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