Amid continuing strains in Sino-American trade ties, Beijing has reiterated its interest in enhancing economic relations with New Delhi, offering to expand imports of high-quality Indian goods and assist Indian enterprises in navigating China’s immense market landscape.
This renewed overture from China coincides with India’s merchandise trade deficit with its largest trading partner reaching a historic high of $99.2 billion this week.
Xu Feihong, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to India, stated that Beijing was prepared to help India narrow its trade imbalance while urging New Delhi to provide Chinese companies with a “transparent and mutually respectful” operational environment.
“We welcome more premium Indian goods export to China and stand ready to help Indian businesses tap into China’s market demand, further exploring the vast potential of our economic and trade collaboration,” Xu told reporters.
He further added, “We also welcome more Indian enterprises to cross the Himalayas and seek opportunities for cooperation in China, sharing the dividends of China's development.”
Ambassador Xu emphasised the importance of India maintaining a “non-discriminatory environment” for Chinese firms, underscoring mutual economic benefit over geopolitical differences.
Despite ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since 2020, Chinese officials have consistently advocated for bolstering trade cooperation.
Notably, President Xi Jinping recently extended a message of goodwill to President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two Asian giants, stating that “China and India should work more closely together.”
Some Indian exports have made headway in the Chinese market in recent times. Last year, chilli peppers, iron ore, and cotton yarn registered notable gains, recording export growths of over 17 per cent, 160 per cent, and 240 per cent, respectively.
China’s latest assurances come ahead of expected global supply chain realignments, as Washington has moved to impose tariffs on imports from both China and India, citing strategic domestic interests.
“We are willing to work with the Indian side to strengthen practical cooperation in trade and other areas and to import more Indian products that are well-suited to the Chinese market,” Xu said.
The Chinese envoy’s remarks indicate a strategic shift to diversify partnerships and reduce overdependence on Western markets amid tightening scrutiny from the United States.
As India continues to focus on reducing its trade imbalance with China and safeguarding its economic sovereignty, Beijing’s outreach may present both an opportunity and a test of diplomatic finesse.
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