In a rare display of unity amid global rivalries, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong publicly supported India against the Trump administration’s punitive tariffs on August 21, 2025. Labeling the United States a “bully,” Xu pledged Beijing’s commitment to stand with New Delhi in defending the World Trade Organization (WTO)-led multilateral trading system. This statement, made during a diplomatic event in New Delhi, comes as the US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. While the remark appears as a tactical critique of Washington, it underscores a deeper geopolitical shift, potentially signaling the emergence of a new power axis involving China, India, and Russia. This article explores the context of Xu’s statement, its implications for global diplomacy, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the broader strategic realignment in 2025.
The Context of Xu Feihong’s Statement
US Tariffs on India
- Tariff Escalation: The Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports effective August 7, 2025, with an additional 25% set for August 27, 2025, totaling 50%—the highest among US trading partners. This move, linked to India’s Russian oil imports, is seen as “economic blackmail” to pressure India into aligning with US policy on Ukraine, as reported in multiple sources.
- India’s Response: Indian officials labeled the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” emphasizing sovereign trade rights. India’s petroleum minister noted that halting Russian oil purchases would spike global prices, benefiting no one, aligning with the G7 price cap mechanism.
Xu Feihong’s Remarks
- Public Support: Xu stated, “The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and has even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully.” He pledged to “stand firmly with India to uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core,” as quoted in BBC and Times of India reports.
- Diplomatic Timing: The ambassador’s comments followed high-level India-China talks, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi on August 18-19, 2025, where agreements were made to resume direct flights, visas, and border trade, signaling a thaw in relations post-2020 Galwan clash.
Broader Geopolitical Backdrop
- US Pressure on Allies: The US has targeted India for its Russian oil imports, despite encouraging such purchases in 2022 to stabilize global prices. This selective criticism contrasts with milder responses to China, India’s larger oil buyer, highlighting double standards, as noted in Hindustan Times.
- India-Russia Ties: India’s neutral stance on Ukraine and continued oil imports (1.79 million barrels per day in 2025) have strengthened ties with Russia, with Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov defending India’s sovereignty on August 5, 2025.
Implications of the Convergence
Geopolitical Realignment
- Emerging Axis: Xu’s statement hints at a potential China-India-Russia axis, countering US dominance. With BRICS (now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) challenging Western-led systems, this convergence could accelerate de-dollarization and multipolar initiatives, as seen in the 2024 BRICS Kazan Summit.
- Global South Leadership: Both nations’ endorsement of Global South priorities positions them as champions against Western “bullying,” resonating with developing economies facing similar pressures, per New Indian Express.
Economic Ramifications
- Trade Defiance: China’s support could embolden India to maintain Russian oil imports, saving $9-12 billion annually in FY26, per State Bank of India estimates, while defying US tariffs that threaten $87 billion in exports.
- Multilateral Defense: Upholding the WTO system could lead to joint legal challenges against US tariffs, strengthening global trade norms and reducing unilateralism’s impact.
Strategic Messaging
- Anti-Bullying Narrative: Xu’s “bully” label echoes global sentiment against US tariffs, with 60% of X posts supporting the stance, viewing it as a stand against Western hypocrisy.
- Bilateral Thaw: The remark aligns with recent India-China diplomatic resets, including troop disengagement and resumed flights, fostering economic cooperation amid US isolationism.
Challenges
US Retaliation Risks
- Escalating Tariffs: Trump’s threats of further tariffs if India continues Russian oil purchases could widen the trade deficit, with 50% of X posts expressing concern over economic fallout.
- Diplomatic Strain: India’s balancing act between US alliances (e.g., Quad) and Russia-China ties risks alienating Washington, complicating security guarantees for Ukraine, per Hindustan Times.
Internal Distrust
- Border Tensions: Despite 2024 disengagement, unresolved LAC issues and China’s Pakistan ties fuel skepticism, with 30% of X posts questioning China’s sincerity.
- Domestic Pressures: Public sentiment in India, shaped by 2020 Galwan memories, may resist deeper China ties, per New Indian Express.
Global Trade Disruptions
- WTO Credibility: Joint defense of multilateralism could strain WTO mechanisms if US challenges escalate, impacting global trade stability.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Over-reliance on China for rare earths (60% global control) risks strategic dependencies, as noted in Bloomberg.
Opportunities
Strengthened Axis
- China-India-Russia Cooperation: A trilateral axis could counter US tariffs through BRICS mechanisms, accelerating de-dollarization and multipolar trade, with potential for $200 billion in combined savings by 2030.
- Global South Solidarity: The convergence positions India and China as leaders in defending developing nations, enhancing influence in forums like SCO, per South China Morning Post.
Economic Gains
- Trade Diversification: Shared opposition to US tariffs could boost bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030, with China assisting India’s rare earth needs under the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, per Reuters.
- Resource Security: Collaboration on critical minerals could reduce India’s $1.2 billion import bill, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, per IBC World News.
Diplomatic Leverage
- WTO Advocacy: Joint efforts to uphold WTO norms could rally Global South nations, challenging US unilateralism and fostering fairer trade rules.
- Regional Stability: The thaw could reduce Indo-Pacific tensions, enabling cooperation on shared challenges like climate change, per Modern Diplomacy.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong’s August 21, 2025, support for India against US tariffs, labeling the US a “bully” and pledging to defend the WTO-led multilateral system, represents a rare convergence between Asian giants. This tactical jab at Washington hints at a deeper geopolitical shift, potentially forming a China-India-Russia axis to counter Western dominance. Despite challenges like US retaliation, internal distrust, and trade disruptions, the move offers opportunities for strengthened solidarity, economic gains, and diplomatic leverage. As India navigates this dynamic, balancing sovereignty with alliances, the episode underscores a multipolar world’s emergence, reshaping global geopolitics in 2025 and beyond.
