The rapprochement is not about Trump's tariffs, but easing tensions on the disputed Himalayan border, writes .

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro again criticized India for its ongoing purchases of Russian oil and said he anticipates the planned 50% punitive tariffs on Indian imports will take effect next week.

In an unexpected show of solidarity, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, publicly criticized the United States for imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods. His remarks, made during an event in New Delhi ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit,

Beijing’s ambassador to Delhi, Xu Feihong, said that China-India unity benefits the world at large as both are important members of BRICS, SCO, G20 and other multilateral mechanisms, and pioneers in promoting reforms in global governance.

Xu said at a time of “hegemony, protectionism, power politics and bullying”, China and India have the responsibility to take the lead in promoting an “equal and orderly multipolar world”.

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said that the US had long benefited from free trade but was now using tariffs as bargaining chips. He stated that the US had imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and that China firmly opposed it.