China opposes ‘abuse of tariffs’ by US against India

BEIJING: China has voiced its opposition to the US announcement of tariffs against India. The spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, in his press briefing while responding to media queries, called the act an ‘abuse of tariffs’.

When asked on comments on US President Donald Trump’s executive order to place an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, he said, “China’s opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear”.

“China opposes the US politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China. The US should earnestly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals”, he added.

Replying to a question by Reuters- U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to place an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil. What is China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun, Spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says,… pic.twitter.com/jxEtkkLqlz

— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2025

Trump’s order drew criticism from within the country as House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems warned that Trump’s actions risk the carefully developed US-India relationship.

In a post on X, House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems said, “RM Gregory Meeks: Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership. We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values”.

RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership.

We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values. https://t.co/T2GTZGKYAS

— House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) August 7, 2025

Earlier in the day, Trump said there will be no trade negotiations with India until a dispute over tariffs is resolved, following his administration’s decision to double tariffs on Indian imports. When pressed at the Oval Office, whether he expected talks to resume in the light of the new 50 per cent tariff, he replied, “No, not until we get it resolved”.

The White House on Wednesday issued an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percentage points in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50 per cent. The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, pointing specifically to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil.

The order claims that these imports, whether direct or via intermediaries, present an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States and justify emergency economic measures. According to US officials, the initial 25 per cent tariff came into effect on 7 August. The additional levy will take effect in 21 days and apply to all Indian goods entering US ports — with exceptions for items already in transit and certain exempt categories. (ANI)