China-India Relations Gain Momentum as US Trade Rift Widens

China-India Relations: China and India, two of the world’s largest developing nations and key players in the Global South, appear to be edging towards a fresh chapter of cooperation amid shifting geopolitical winds. The Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday described the two nations as “partners helping each other succeed,” calling the cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant the “right choice for both sides.”

The remarks, reported by the Global Times, came from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian in response to a question on how Beijing views its evolving relationship with New Delhi. Lin emphasised that China stands ready to work with India to deepen political trust, expand economic and cultural exchanges, and strengthen coordination on platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

China-India Relations: Tariff War Driving Diplomatic Realignment

The overture from Beijing comes at a time when US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods is forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider strategic alignments. Trump’s recent doubling of tariffs—framed as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—has been accompanied by disparaging remarks about India’s economy, calling it “dead” and labelling its trade barriers “obnoxious.”

The tariff escalation has not only deepened tensions between Washington and New Delhi but also created new incentives for India to bolster ties with other major economies, notably China. This represents a striking turn in China-India relations, which reached a historic low in 2020 following the deadly Galwan Valley clash.

Direct Flights and Diplomatic Signals

According to sources familiar with ongoing talks, Modi is expected to announce the resumption of direct flights between India and China as early as next month—a move not seen in years. The agreement could be formalised during Modi’s anticipated visit to China, his first in seven years, for the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31.

The potential thaw has been reinforced by statements from China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, who recently offered public support for Modi in the face of US tariffs. In a pointed comment on social media platform X, Xu echoed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s criticism of using tariffs “as a weapon to suppress other countries,” adding, “Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile.”

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