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Ancient wisdom and China's national power
Ancient wisdom and China's national power

Express Tribune

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Express Tribune

Ancient wisdom and China's national power

Listen to article "Give the bully an inch [and] he will take a mile," Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong said in response to the Trump administration's latest tariffs' hike on India. Then came an unusual support for India from the ministry of foreign affairs, which criticised the US doubling of the tariffs as the "abuse of tariffs." It also justified this by saying "Beijing's opposition to the abuse of tariffs has been consistent and clear." Global Times also slammed Washington's 50% tariffs as "punishment for India's independent foreign policy." The US treats India as expendable not a guest at the table, but an item on the menu," the paper said. These latest messages out of the Chinese capital should not be surprising at all. They reflect self-confidence and a sense of inherent economic strength and socio-political power of a nation that boasts thousands of years of civilisation rooted in ancient wisdom. That ancient wisdom in fact constitutes the foundation of China's national power today. Its reaction to Donald Trump's tariff aggression against India proves it again. The approach reflects consistency, pragmatism, concern for others and a strong belief in cooperation instead of coercion. Is it China's national power what actually drives its political economy? Science and technology, hard work, the Communist Party or consistency of policies? Or does this national power flow from something deeper, rooted in history? Most probably. Here is a synopsis of why - and this is based on multiple conversations with Chinese officials, intellectuals and academics. China distinguishes itself through civilisational values that are thousands of years old. The Chinese pride rests on a fully documented history dating back 5000 years. This helps the Chinese double-check certain historical acts and draw on the ancient wisdom — etched in books for thousands of years. Several social values — reflective of that wisdom - have traveled through generations and seem to guide the socio-politic conduct of the Chinese. Most Chinese take pride in the knowledge that their ancestors (Confucius, General Sun Zu, the author of the iconic military literature The Art of War) left behind. Let us recap some of those values that constitute an element of the present Chinese political philosophy. Humility is the hallmark of the old wisdom. We are all prone to make mistakes but humility — a deeply ingrained trait of the Chinese character — makes you admit to their mistakes. Admission of guilt can save you many embarrassments. This also helps in introspection and to learn for course correction. Interestingly, a debate in China following the brief India-Pakistan confrontation in May and the string of Indian government's contradictions accompanying it also provided a glimpse into the Chinese way of thinking. "Why don't they admit the loss of aircraft instead of being humiliated in public and in the parliament where MPs are talking about at least five Indian jets lost in the May 7 air battle," asked a friend in Shanghai. Secondly, the conventional thrust on peaceful conflict-resolution — as advocated by Confucius — rang through recent debates. Most academics wonder why India fails to realise that military means don't sustainably resolve political issues. The third component of the ancient relates to deep reflection on personal and national conduct. The bigger and stronger — a metaphor both for persons and nations — should treat the smaller and weaker with kindness and restraint. And the smaller and the weaker — person or nation — should handle the bigger with wisdom and deference, so dictates the Chinese wisdom. Fourth, care about people. The way the Communist Party of China and successive leaders have cared about people at large also seems to be driven by an ancient saying wherein political philosophers likened the king to a boat and the people to a sea. If the sea is restless it can sink the boat, meaning thereby that the king/government must be mindful of the people's needs. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the anchor of the country's political philosophy, therefore often invokes Confucian ideas — like respect for authority, filial piety, and social harmony — to promote unity and social stability. These ideas are framed as part of a broader narrative of "Chinese values" or "traditional culture" that distinguishes China from the West. President Xi Jinping, for example, often references "harmonious society", a concept with Confucian roots, to justify centralised governance and social order. The fifth component of the ancient wisdom — that is a cardinal pillar of the present day political economy — is the cultural identity as embodied by Confucius. The revival of and focus Confucianism helps reclaim Chinese cultural identity in the post-Mao era. The global network of Confucius Institutes (named after Confucius) promotes Chinese language and culture abroad, positioning Confucian thought as a symbol of Chinese heritage. Modern Chinese politics, therefore, draws on Confucius — to reinforce state authority, shape national identity and promote social values aligned with the state goals. That lends an incredible strength to China of 2025 — a country guided by the CPC with the help of the Confucian thought that has made great strides and is set to rise to new heights on the back of what is a blend of ancient thought and modern practices.

'Tariffs Vs Openness': Chinese Envoy Highlights US-China Trade Contrast Over Brazilian Coffee
'Tariffs Vs Openness': Chinese Envoy Highlights US-China Trade Contrast Over Brazilian Coffee

News18

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • News18

'Tariffs Vs Openness': Chinese Envoy Highlights US-China Trade Contrast Over Brazilian Coffee

Last Updated: Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong contrasted US and Chinese trade moves on Brazilian coffee, calling it 'Tariffs vs Openness.' Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has drawn attention to contrasting trade moves by the United States and China, in the context of Brazilian coffee. Sharing a collage of two images on X, the Chinese Ambassador to India captioned it 'Tariffs vs Openness." The first image, as shared by Feihong, states that beginning August 6, 2025, the United States will impose a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian coffee imports. In contrast, China has approved 183 new Brazilian coffee companies for export to its market, with the measure set to take effect on July 30, 2025, the second image depicted. The images frame the developments as opposing approaches, with Washington tightening import costs and Beijing expanding market access. Tariffs vs Openness. — Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) August 8, 2025 Days earlier, China authorised 183 new Brazilian coffee companies to export to the Chinese market with a five-year permit. China's embassy in Brazil also highlighted the growth of coffee consumption in the country, saying the beverage 'has been gaining a place in the daily lives of the Chinese." Meanwhile, the United States remains the world's largest coffee importer, its main supplier being Brazil, which, according to CNN, shipped 30.7 per cent of the 1.5 million metric tons bought by the US market. The 50 per cent tariffs announced by Donald Trump on many Brazilian products took effect Wednesday. The executive order that Trump signed with the new tariff scheme accuses the Brazilian government of committing 'serious human rights abuses" with its prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally who is on trial over an alleged coup plot against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The order was signed days after Trump demanded in a letter that Brazil end the trial 'immediately," accusing Lula of carrying out a 'witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. Lula responded by saying, 'The judiciary branch of power in Brazil is independent. The president of the Republic has no influence whatsoever," adding that Bolsonaro 'is not being judged personally. He is being judged for the acts he tried to organise a coup d'etat." view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Give the bully an inch, and he will...: Chinese envoy slams 50% US tariffs on India
Give the bully an inch, and he will...: Chinese envoy slams 50% US tariffs on India

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

Give the bully an inch, and he will...: Chinese envoy slams 50% US tariffs on India

China has publicly backed India and Brazil after the US under President Trump hiked tariffs to 50% on both nations, citing their energy trade with Russia. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong called out Washington's approach as bullying and unsustainable. India has rejected the move as unjust and driven by double standards, pointing to China and Türkiye's similar oil imports from Russia. As global tensions rise, Prime Minister Modi is set to meet Xi and Putin at the SCO summit in China. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India calls US tariffs 'unjustified' China and Brazil find common ground Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Modi-Lula call mentions tariffs but not officially Trump hints at more tariffs, eyes China India-US trade talks collapse PM Modi set to travel to China for SCO Summit India and Brazil have both found themselves hit with a steep 50% tariff from the United States, triggering criticism not just at home but also from Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, made a blunt statement on social media platform X, saying, 'Give the bully an inch, and he will take a mile.'His remark came a day after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, raising the total to 50%, specifically targeting India's trade with post also included a quote from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's conversation with Celso Amorim, chief adviser to Brazilian President Lula da Silva. It read, 'Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter, undermines WTO rules and is both unpopular and unsustainable.'The timing and tone were clear. China, which has often clashed with the US on trade, is now aligning itself rhetorically with India and has pushed back firmly. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, 'The United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.'It added, 'It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.'According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CERA), a Finland-based research body, China bought 47% of Russia's crude oil in June 2025, followed by India at 38%. Türkiye and the EU each accounted for 6%. Yet, only India and Brazil are facing direct tariff the same phone call quoted by Xu, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had expressed strong opposition to the US strategy, without naming it said China 'firmly supports' Brazil in 'resisting the bullying practices of arbitrary tariffs' and stressed that such measures violate both the UN Charter and the rules of the Celso Amorim, however, was more direct. He thanked China and called the US's actions 'disruptive' and 'intrusive.'The message from both sides was unmistakable, countries seen as acting in their national interest are being unfairly the tariff announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Lula da Silva spoke by phone. Lula later said they discussed 'the imposition of unilateral tariffs' by the the Indian government's official release did not mention Lula has been vocal in calling for a unified response from BRICS nations. Speaking about Trump's approach, he said, 'What President Trump is doing is tacit, he wants to dismantle multilateralism.'Trump, speaking at a White House news conference, didn't rule out similar penalties for China, saying, 'It may happen, I don't know, I can't tell you yet, we did it with India and we are doing it probably with a couple of others, one of them could be China.'The threat comes even as Washington's own 145% tariffs on Chinese goods remain suspended under a temporary truce. That pause is due to expire on 12 this year, China had capped its retaliatory tariffs at 125%. At the time, its government warned:'Even if the US further raises tariffs to even higher levels, it would be economically meaningless and would ultimately become a laughingstock in the history of global economics.'Despite the tough talk, Trump has said he plans to meet President Xi Jinping later this year to work on a broader trade the tariff clash lies a deeper breakdown. India was once expected to be among the first to sign a trade deal with Trump's team. But after five rounds of negotiations, the talks fell sticking points? India refused to fully open its dairy and agriculture markets, and stood firm on continuing to buy discounted Russian oil. That's where the fracture tensions with Washington, India is strengthening ties elsewhere. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 is expected to meet both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir will be Modi's first trip to China since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020. His last visit was in ties have recently shown signs of normalisation following the disengagement in eastern Ladakh. The SCO visit could be a sign of a shifting strategic China, and Brazil are among the top importers of Russian oil . Yet, only some are being punished. That inconsistency has not gone Trump's tariffs turning more aggressive, and global alliances in flux, countries are beginning to respond, some more quietly than message from New Delhi, Beijing, and Brazil seems to be this: national interest isn't up for negotiation.

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