New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- China has sharply criticised Washington's decision to slap tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, warning that remaining silent in the face of "economic bullying" would only embolden the United States. Beijing has also pledged to stand firmly with New Delhi, framing the two neighbours as indispensable partners in shaping Asia's economic and political future.

Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said the United States had "long benefited from free trade" but was now treating tariffs as bargaining tools. "The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India and even threatened more. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India," Xu declared in New Delhi.

He added that c...