China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025, marking a notable increase compared to the previous year.

The move comes amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington over escalating trade tariffs.

According to the Chinese Embassy in India, more than 8,500 visas have been granted to Indian nationals between January 1 and April 9, 2025.

Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, expressed hope that more Indians would visit China to witness its “open, safe, and friendly environment.”

Xu took to social media platform X to announce the figures, stating, “As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. We welcome more Indian friends to experience a vibrant, sincere, and friendly China.”

The sharp rise in visa issuance marks a departure from previous years. For context, only 180,000 visas were granted in 2023, and the latest data indicates a substantial uptick, with 85,000 visas issued in just the first four months of 2025.

The surge aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to enhance people-to-people ties with India, furthering its diplomatic objectives.

This uptick follows a series of relaxed visa requirements introduced by the Chinese Embassy in India in late 2023. Among these changes, Indian applicants no longer need to book online appointments before submitting their visa applications. Applicants can now directly submit their applications at the visa centers on working days.

Additionally, those applying for short-term, single or double-entry visas for stays under 180 days are exempt from providing biometric data, such as fingerprints.

China has also lowered visa application fees, introducing more affordable rates for applicants. These steps reflect Beijing’s intent to boost its engagement with Indian citizens and foster greater bilateral exchange.

Tensions with the US

This diplomatic initiative comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between China and the United States. President Donald Trump has been vocal about the imposition of heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent.

In retaliation, China has slapped a 125 percent tariff on American products. Amid this trade war, Beijing has urged India and other countries to take a stand against what it calls “US tariff abuse.”

Yu Jing, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India, recently remarked that China and India, as the two largest developing nations, should unite in opposition to the US's tariff policies. “China-India economic and trade relations are based on complementarity and mutual benefit. In the face of US tariff abuse, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome these challenges,” Yu said in a post on X.

This statement underscores China’s growing diplomatic engagement with India, urging it to join forces in resisting US-led economic pressure. Beijing’s efforts to strengthen ties with India come at a time when global economic and political landscapes are shifting, and countries are increasingly seeking strategic alignments in response to US policies.