China’s Support for Bharat Signals Shift in Global Geopolitics

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 22nd August: In global diplomacy, rivalries often overshadow partnerships. Yet, the recent words of Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong, who openly expressed support for Bharat (India) against the Trump administration’s punitive tariffs, mark a rare moment of convergence between two Asian giants. Calling the United States a “bully,” Xu pledged that Beijing would stand with New Delhi in defending the multilateral trading system led by the WTO. At first glance, this statement might seem like a tactical jab at Washington, but beneath it lies a deeper geopolitical undertone—one that hints at the potential emergence of a new power axis involving China, Bharat, and Russia.

Could this warming tone between Beijing and New Delhi signal not just a thaw in bilateral ties, but also the possibility of a reshaped world order?

China and Bharat: From Border Tensions to Shared Battles

For decades, the Bharat-China relationship has been defined by suspicion, border disputes, and competitive influence in Asia. Yet, diplomacy often thrives in paradoxes. The recent outreach, including talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, suggests that both nations are recalibrating ties in response to external pressures—most notably, U.S. trade tariffs and Washington’s assertive global stance.

Xu Feihong’s statement does more than criticize U.S. policies; it seeks to reposition China and Bharat as leaders of the Global South, offering an alternative to Western-dominated trade systems. By opposing U.S. protectionism, Beijing is aligning itself with Bharat’s economic aspirations, signaling that the two may have more to gain by cooperation than confrontation.

The U.S. Factor: Catalyst for Asian Convergence

Washington’s decision to impose tariffs as high as 50% on Bharat’s exports has been perceived in New Delhi not only as an economic blow but also as strategic pressure. Moreover, threats of additional tariffs tied to Bharat’s purchase of Russian crude oil highlight a larger U.S. strategy of restricting alternative alliances.

China, having long been in the crosshairs of U.S. tariffs, sees in Bharat a natural partner in resistance. By likening Trump’s actions to bullying, Chinese officials are crafting a narrative of solidarity: that Asian nations, if united, can resist Western economic coercion and create a more balanced trade architecture.

Russia in the Equation: Toward a Eurasian Axis?

While the Bharat-China dynamic often dominates headlines, Russia remains the third, often understated, pillar in this emerging equation. Moscow’s deepening ties with both nations—ranging from defense partnerships with Bharat to strategic coordination with Beijing—make it a natural fulcrum for a potential Eurasian bloc.

If Beijing and New Delhi can navigate their bilateral mistrust, the inclusion of Russia could evolve into a formidable triangular power structure. Such an axis would not only counterbalance U.S. influence but also reshape institutions like the WTO, BRICS, and the SCO, giving the Global South a more assertive voice.

Implications for the Global Order

The idea of China, Bharat, and Russia standing shoulder to shoulder has far-reaching implications:

• Economic Impact: Together, they represent over 40% of the world’s population and enormous consumer markets. A unified front could demand greater leverage in trade negotiations and challenge U.S.-led tariff regimes.
• Strategic Balance: Militarily and politically, such a coalition could redefine regional security in Asia, reducing reliance on Western-led alliances.
• Global South Leadership: Developing nations, often caught between U.S.-China tensions, would see this alignment as a beacon of multilateralism and sovereignty.

Yet, the challenges remain formidable. Border disputes, competing ambitions in South Asia, and historical mistrust could derail this fragile alignment.

A Marriage of Convenience or a Strategic Awakening?

The truth likely lies somewhere in between. For now, China’s support for Bharat is less about genuine camaraderie and more about shared opposition to U.S. pressure. However, history shows that adversaries can become allies when external conditions align.

In many ways, the U.S. may be inadvertently fostering this partnership. By imposing steep tariffs and attempting to dictate energy choices, Washington risks pushing Bharat closer to Beijing and Moscow—a scenario it has long sought to avoid.

But for New Delhi, caution is essential. Aligning too closely with China risks compromising strategic autonomy, a cornerstone of Bharat’s foreign policy. The path forward may lie in a delicate balancing act—leveraging Chinese support where beneficial while keeping strategic independence intact.

The Dawn of a Multipolar Moment?

China’s public endorsement of Bharat in the face of U.S. tariffs is more than diplomatic rhetoric; it is a glimpse into a possible realignment of global power structures. If nurtured carefully, the emerging convergence of China, Bharat, and Russia could challenge the unipolar dominance of the West and accelerate the rise of a multipolar world order.

Whether this is a temporary marriage of convenience or the beginning of a new geopolitical era will depend on how effectively the three nations manage their internal contradictions and shared aspirations. But one thing is clear: in a world defined by shifting alliances, the Bharat-China thaw may well be a turning point—not just for Asia, but for the global order itself.