China's Ambassador Criticizes Trump's Tariffs on India, Stating 'Grant a Bully an Inch...'
The global trade landscape is experiencing a shift as the United States imposes tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil. This move, part of a broader strategy to curb Russian oil sales internationally, has sparked a series of reactions from India, China, and Russia.
U.S. Imposes Tariffs on India
In a significant development, the U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India, effective August 27, 2025. This tariff, combined with existing duties, amounts to a total of 50% on related imports, a move meant to address what the U.S. calls a national emergency stemming from Russia's actions against Ukraine.
Potential Tariffs for China
The U.S. is contemplating similar tariffs for China for Russian oil imports, although a decision has not yet been made.
Reactions from India, China, and Russia
Chinese and Russian officials have condemned these tariff measures as unfair and illegal, describing them as bullying or discriminatory under international law. India has also called the tariffs unjust and discriminatory.
Impacts on Energy Trade
The tariffs primarily involve energy imports, specifically crude oil, from Russia. India's tariff raises the cost of its oil imports from Russia, affecting its energy procurement strategy. China's potential tariffs could further complicate relations, as U.S.-China ties are already multifaceted beyond just Russian oil trade.
The Proverb and the Criticism
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, criticized these tariff measures, referencing the old proverb, "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile." The quote attached to the proverb read, "Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter, undermines WTO rules and is both unpopular and unsustainable."
The Future of U.S.-China Trade Relations
Despite the current standoff, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced intentions to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. The meeting aims to build the foundation for a new trade agreement between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies.
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The escalating tariffs by the U.S. might expand to include Chinese imports of Russian oil, causing potential political tensions in policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice sectors. The controversy over the tariffs has raised general-news headlines, with leaders from India, China, and Russia strongly criticizing the measures as unjust and discriminatory, adhering to the old proverb, "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile."
