Chinese Envoy Brands Trump A "Bully" Over 50 Per Cent Tariffs On India

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has lambasted US President Donald Trump as a "bully" following Washington's imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil.

The remarks, posted on X on Wednesday (7 August), come amid escalating US trade wars, with Xu stating, "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile," urging India not to concede to American pressure.

The tariffs, effective from midnight August 7, add 25 per cent hike to existing duties, targeting India's Rs 5 lakh crore annual exports to the US.

This follows Trump's executive order citing 'national security' concerns, as India imports 38 per cent of Russia's crude exports in 2025, per recent data from the International Energy Agency.

Ironically, China, which buys 47 per cent of Russia's oil, has not faced similar penalties yet, though Trump hinted at potential action during a White House briefing on 7 August.

China's Foreign Ministry echoed Xu's sentiments, with spokesperson Guo affirming, "China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear."

This stance has sparked speculation of a budding Indo-Chinese alliance against US unilateralism, especially as Beijing condemned the move as a "violation of international law" in a statement on 7 August.

Indian exporters are reeling from the "severe setback," with industry bodies estimating a 15-20 per cent drop in sectors like textiles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has vowed retaliation, but analysts warn this could strain US-India ties, already at their "worst".

Also Read: China’s Trade With Russia Hits 2025 High While Trump Focuses On Punishing India