Don’t Fight, Let’s Walk Together” – After Trump’s Tough Stance, China Seeks India’s Support

In the ever-changing landscape of global politics, relationships between nations often shift based on economic and strategic interests. One such shift is evident in China’s recent outreach to India. As the United States, under former President Donald Trump, adopted a more aggressive stance toward China through high tariffs and trade restrictions, China found itself in a difficult position. This has prompted Beijing to extend a hand of friendship toward New Delhi, recognizing that cooperation with India could reshape the balance of global trade and diplomacy.

India-China Diplomatic Meeting

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that it was the right time for India and China to work together rather than compete. He stated that both nations should unite against monopoly and power politics, highlighting that “the dragon and the elephant should dance together.” This statement signals a potential turning point in India-China relations, which have historically been marked by both cooperation and conflict.

In this article, we will explore why China is seeking closer ties with India, how the ongoing U.S.-China trade war plays a role in this shift, and what this means for the future of global trade and geopolitics.

---

The Context of U.S.-China Trade War

The escalating U.S.-China trade war, marked by high tariffs and economic restrictions, is reshaping global alliances.

To understand China’s current outreach to India, we must first examine the trade war between China and the United States, which began under the Trump administration.

In 2018, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, arguing that China had been engaging in unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and currency manipulation. He also accused China of flooding the U.S. market with cheap goods, harming American industries. As a result, tariffs of up to 20% were placed on Chinese imports, significantly affecting China’s economy.

Additionally, Trump’s administration expressed concerns about the illegal supply of fentanyl—a synthetic opioid—originating from China. This led to further restrictions and economic sanctions against Chinese businesses. The situation escalated, with China responding by imposing its own tariffs on American goods, particularly agricultural products.

The trade war created economic uncertainty worldwide, disrupting supply chains and affecting global markets. China, being heavily dependent on exports, started looking for alternative trade partners to counterbalance the loss of U.S. markets. This is where India, the world’s fifth-largest economy and a rapidly growing market, became an attractive partner for China.

---

China’s Outreach to India: A Strategic Move

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s statement that India and China should work together reflects a strategic recalibration of China’s foreign policy. Beijing has realised that engaging India in a cooperative framework could serve multiple purposes:

1. Economic Stability – India, with its 1.4 billion people, represents a vast consumer market. Stronger trade ties with India could help offset some of China’s economic losses due to the U.S. tariffs.

2. Regional Influence – By strengthening ties with India, China can counterbalance the influence of the U.S. in Asia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

3. Supply Chain Realignment – With global companies shifting supply chains away from China due to rising costs and geopolitical tensions, China sees India as a potential manufacturing partner rather than a competitor.

4. Reducing Hostilities – India and China have had long-standing border disputes, including military confrontations in recent years. Strengthening economic ties could help in reducing tensions and fostering a more stable relationship.

   
   

Wang Yi’s statement that “monopoly and power politics should be confronted together” is a clear reference to the U.S. dominance in global affairs. China is positioning itself as a champion of a multipolar world, where countries like India and China can shape the global economic order without being overly dependent on Western powers.

---

India’s Perspective: Should It Trust China?

While China is making efforts to strengthen its relationship with India, New Delhi remains cautious. India has historically had a complex relationship with China, marked by both cooperation and competition. Some key concerns for India include:

1. Border Tensions – The India-China border has seen multiple military clashes, including the deadly Galwan Valley incident in 2020. While China claims that relations have improved, India is wary of trusting Beijing completely.

2. Trade Imbalance – India has a significant trade deficit with China, importing far more than it exports. While stronger trade ties could benefit India, there is concern about becoming too economically dependent on China.

3. China’s Relationship with Pakistan – China’s close ties with Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), remain a point of contention for India.

4. Geopolitical Rivalry – India is part of alliances like the Quad (along with the U.S., Japan, and Australia), which aims to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region .

Despite these challenges, India has taken steps to engage with China diplomatically. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently stated that India is working toward better relations with China, discussing direct flights to religious sites and increased journalist exchanges. However, New Delhi is likely to remain cautious and prioritize national interests over any immediate diplomatic overtures from Beijing.

---

The Role of the Global South in Shaping the Future

India-China Trade and Cooperation

One of Wang Yi’s key arguments for India-China cooperation is the role of the Global South—a term used to describe developing nations primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He argued that if Asia’s two largest economies work together, it would lead to a brighter future for the Global South.

China has positioned itself as a leader of the Global South, offering infrastructure investments through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India, on the other hand, has taken a more cautious approach, preferring bilateral trade agreements and regional partnerships.

If India and China can find common ground, they could potentially reshape global trade by reducing dependence on Western markets and creating a more self-sufficient economic system within Asia. However, this would require trust, transparency, and mutual respect—elements that have often been lacking in India-China relations.

---

The Bigger Picture: The U.S., China, and India in Global Politics

The ongoing shifts in global alliances are part of a broader geopolitical realignment. The world is moving away from a U.S.-dominated unipolar order toward a more multipolar system where different regions hold significant influence.

China’s View

• Sees itself as a rising superpower, challenging U.S. dominance in trade, technology, and military strength.

• Wants to build stronger economic ties with countries like India to counterbalance Western pressure.

• Promotes a multipolar world where no single country dominates.

India’s View

• Wants to strengthen its own economic and military capabilities while maintaining good relations with all major powers.

• Balances its ties with the U.S., Russia, and China strategically.

• Seeks regional stability, particularly in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. View

• Sees China as its biggest strategic competitor and has implemented policies to limit China’s global influence.

• Wants India as a strong partner in Asia to counterbalance China’s rise.

• Focuses on economic policies that prioritise American businesses and jobs.

  
  

Given these perspectives, India must carefully navigate its position. Strengthening ties with China could bring economic benefits but also risks geopolitical complications with the U.S. and its allies.

---

A Delicate Balancing Act for India

India finds itself at a crossroads, balancing economic opportunities with China while maintaining strategic ties with the U.S.

China’s outreach to India, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks, represents a strategic move in response to mounting U.S. pressure. While China is looking for economic partners to mitigate the effects of the trade war, India remains cautious due to past conflicts and geopolitical differences.

For India, the decision is not straightforward. On one hand, collaborating with China could open new economic opportunities and strengthen Asia’s role in global trade. On the other hand, India must ensure that it does not compromise its strategic interests or become overly dependent on Beijing.

As the world transitions into a multipolar order, India finds itself in a unique position—courted by both China and the U.S. How New Delhi navigates this complex landscape will determine its role in global affairs in the years to come.

For now, the key question remains: Will India and China truly “dance together,” or will their historical mistrust keep them apart? The answer will shape not only the future of Asia but the entire global economic and political order.