Athira Sethu
Kochi, 15 Oct 2025
The United States has spoken out against China’s recent economic activities and is seeking the support of its allies, including India and European countries. Bessent, a senior US official, recently made statements regarding the matter in an interview with Fox Business, stating that the US views the current scenario as a fight of “China versus the world.”
Bessent explained that China is employing its influence over international supply chains, which can impact the economies of numerous nations. He characterized China’s economy as a “command-and-control” system, where the Chinese government exerts absolute control over the economy. The US, however, is committed to holding its ground and defending its own interests. The US will persist in exercising its sovereignty, or right to make its own decisions without interference from others, according to Bessent.
The US has already made contact with its allies and will sit down with them soon. Bessent anticipates that nations such as India, the European Union, and other Asian democratic countries will provide robust support. This assistance is critical because the US is experiencing “provocative” behavior from China, such as placing limits on significant materials such as rare earths. These are imperative for advanced manufacturing and military technology.
In the same interview, Bessent also stated that America desires peace, but China is employing its economic might to complicate issues. America has already imposed tariffs (taxes) on Chinese products, and China has responded with its own barriers. Trade tensions are mounting, particularly after China’s move to restrict the export of rare earths, which are vital to numerous industries across the globe.
Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the uncertainty. He threatened that trade tensions could rise, proposing that the US would implement tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese goods. Trump later attempted to play down fears by stating that the US doesn’t intend to harm China, but aid it. He assured people that China’s economic woes would be okay and that the US wanted peace, not war.
Meanwhile, the US has also been imposing tariffs on nations other than China, including India. The 25% tariffs on Indian products and extra tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian crude have created total 50% tariffs on certain Indian products, which are among the highest in the world.
In summary, the US is issuing a call for collective global action to counter China’s increasing economic power. With tensions building, the US is turning to its allies, such as India, to rally support in this ongoing battle of trade.