Beijing — China has sharply criticized the United States’ decision to double tariffs on Indian imports, calling the move an “abuse of tariffs” and warning against politicizing trade issues.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing’s stance on such measures has been “consistent and clear.” He accused Washington of weaponizing technology and trade to blockade and target other countries, including China, and urged the US to “earnestly protect the legitimate and lawful rights” of foreign nationals.
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods — taking the total levy to 50% — in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, calling the imports an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US.
The tariff hike, set to take full effect in 21 days, applies to all Indian goods entering US ports, with exemptions for items already in transit and specific categories.
Trump has also ruled out trade talks with India until the tariff dispute is resolved. Critics in Washington, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, have warned that the move risks undermining decades of strategic and economic ties between the two countries.
