China will not flood international markets with cheap goods despite intensifying trade tensions with the United States, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said in a statement aimed at easing global concerns.
The assurance comes at a time when countries including India are adopting protective measures amid fears of a surge in low-priced Chinese exports.
In an editorial published in The Indian Express titled "Stand up to Washington’s bullying", Xu stressed that China remained committed to international trade rules and would not resort to dumping goods or engaging in cut-throat competition. Instead, Beijing is prioritising its domestic economy by boosting internal demand and consumption.
"China strictly complies with WTO subsidy disciplines and market rules," wrote the ambassador. "We will not engage in market dumping or cutthroat competition, nor will we disrupt other countries' industries and economic development."
The statement follows India's recent decision to impose a temporary 12 per cent safeguard duty on select steel imports, primarily in response to rising shipments from China.
India, the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, took the step to protect its domestic industry from being undercut by cheaper imports amid global oversupply fears linked to the US-China tariff war.
Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the trade spat between Washington and Beijing has escalated, with reciprocal tariffs now exceeding 100 per cent on many goods.
The stand-off has caused volatility in global markets and raised the risk of trade diversions, with countries like India potentially facing an influx of redirected Chinese products.
Chinese steel exports have previously forced some Indian producers to reduce operations and contemplate layoffs. India's move to curb imports echoes similar actions by other nations seeking to protect local industries from competitive pressure.
Despite the recent tensions, there have been signs of a thaw in India-China relations. In a symbolic gesture marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian President Droupadi Murmu exchanged congratulatory messages earlier this month.
President Xi emphasised the importance of deeper cooperation, a sentiment echoed by Ambassador Xu, who reiterated China’s willingness to increase imports of Indian products and strengthen bilateral trade.
India imposed restrictions on Chinese investments in the wake of a deadly border clash in 2020, which severely strained diplomatic ties. However, recent diplomatic overtures suggest both countries are making efforts to reset the relationship.
India's trade and foreign ministries have not yet responded to the ambassador's comments.
Nonetheless, Xu’s remarks are likely aimed at reassuring New Delhi and other trading partners that China does not intend to destabilise global markets, even as it navigates the complexities of a protracted tariff war with the United States.
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