US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports has escalated US-China tensions. China is now desperate and is seeking India’s support to counter the US onslaught on its economy. China needs to recognise that India should no longer be stereotyped as an \”elephant\” India has transformed into a \”tiger,\” capable of turning adversities into opportunities on the global stage, writes Dr Sriparna Pathak, a leading expert on Chinese affairs. Dr Pathak: India’s trade deficit with China has been continuously expanding, while its trade balance with the US remains in surplus. It is in India’s best interest to strengthen ties with the U.S. rather than align with China, she adds, adding that “China cannot be trusted’. She highlights an important aspect of the US- China tariff war: it is not merely an economic dispute, given China’s increasing global strategy. The US is targeting China as part of a broader global strategy, given its increasing competition on multiple fronts.