Tariff-Hit China Taps India for Tourism Relief
Photo Credit: Shanghai in China Unsplash / Hyunwon Jang
Skift Take
Every tariff seems to have its own little silver lining. If India and China manage to get direct flights back in the air soon, we might just have to hand it to the Trump tariffs for delivering a win.
China issued more than 35,000 visas to Indian travelers in almost three weeks, pushing the tally this year to exceed 85,000 as of April 9. Talks to resume direct flights between the two countries have also now definitively reached the discussion table.
After nearly five years of strained relations following the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China are cautiously but steadily reactivating their civil and economic connections, starting with travel and tourism.
This development is especially critical in light of the broader geopolitical recalibration in Asia following the recent announcement of U.S. tariffs. China is now racing to shore up influence across Asia decisively.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ongoing tour of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia further serves as a context for India’
