In the midst of escalating global trade tensions, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies, particularly the imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The ambassador's remarks, made via a post on X, included the pointed observation: "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile". This statement was made in reference to what he views as the Trump administration's coercive and unilateral approach to trade.

The ambassador's statement follows Trump's decision to increase tariffs on India, specifically tied to the country's continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump has hinted at the possibility of similar measures against China for its ongoing trade relations with Russia. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CERA), China is the largest buyer of Russian crude exports, followed by India.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has responded to the U.S. threats by stating that China will continue to ensure its energy supply in ways that serve its national interests. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also voiced his concerns, stating that using tariffs to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter and undermines WTO rules, further calling such actions unpopular and unsustainable. Wang Yi also communicated these concerns to Celso Amorim, chief advisor to Brazil's president, reinforcing China's support for Brazil in resisting what they see as bullying practices related to arbitrary tariffs.

India has responded to the increased tariffs by calling the decision unfortunate, unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. Some reports suggest that the new U.S. levies could significantly reduce Indian exports to the U.S. and negatively impact India's GDP growth.

These developments occur against the backdrop of already strained relations between the U.S. and China, including a previous tariff war that saw the U.S. raise tariffs as high as 145%. Despite these tensions, there have been discussions about a potential meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a potential trade deal. Moreover, there has been a recent thawing of ties between New Delhi and Beijing, with talks of a potential visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China.