Days after US President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on Chinese imports, a Chinese diplomat in India issued a stern warning to Washington, urging it to “correct its mistakes” or face retaliation.
Trump had announced last week that, should China fail to take action, the US would impose 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports on top of existing levies.
These fresh tariffs are scheduled to take effect from November 1. Earlier, Trump had announced 155 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods. The move is part of his “secondary tariff” approach targeting countries indirectly supporting Russia’s wartime economy through energy trade.
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Chinese Consul General Xu Wei reacted strongly when asked about the US-China trade tensions.
“On the issue of the US-China tariff war, China’s stance is very clear. We don’t want any conflict. But if we are pushed, we will definitely respond. We will fight, but our doors are open. We are repeating that cooperation benefits both countries. We urge the US to correct its mistakes and resolve issues. If it does not, then China will take the necessary steps to protect its rights. It is our attitude,” he said.
Xu Wei also highlighted the importance of India-China cooperation amid the current global economic scenario. India, like China, is involved in a trade dispute with the US, following tariffs of up to 50 per cent imposed in August over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
“Not only China, but the US and India also need cooperation because cooperation benefits and confrontation hurts everyone,” Xu said. He noted that bilateral trade between India and China has consistently exceeded USD 100 billion in recent years, reaching USD 115 billion from January to September 2025 alone.
Xu also announced the resumption of direct flights between India and China from October 26 to enhance connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
He revealed that the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and its consulates in Kolkata and Mumbai have already issued 280,000 visas to Indian citizens this year, with projections suggesting the number will surpass 300,000 by year-end.
The event, attended by representatives from various chambers of commerce, underscored China’s intent to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen trade relations with India.
Also Read : US could cut tariffs on India to 15 pc
China's retaliatory move
In protest against the US tariffs, China did not import any soybeans from America in September the first time since November 2018 that shipments dropped to zero. Imports from South America rose sharply compared to a year earlier, as Chinese buyers avoided US cargoes amid ongoing trade tensions.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows soybean imports from the US declined from 1.7 million metric tons in September 2024 to none in September 2025.
Experts warn that without progress in negotiations, US farmers risk losing billions, as Chinese processors increasingly turn to South American suppliers. However, China may face a supply shortage early next year before Brazil’s new harvest becomes available.
Trump, who is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in about three weeks in South Korea, criticised Beijing on social media, accusing it of holding the global economy hostage after it expanded rare earth element export controls.
These elements are crucial for technology manufacturing. Trump also said there was no reason to hold the previously announced meeting with Xi, noting that Beijing had never formally confirmed it.
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