Shen Danyang, the spokeperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, criticized the proposed boycott of Chinese products by some Indian politicians at a press conference held on Nov. 2.

Shen pointed out that China and India are each other’s major trade partners. By 2015, the total trade volume between the two countries had reached $71.62 billion, indicating that trade between China and India was increasing despite downward pressure from global trade. Bilateral trade added up to $52.31 billion between January and September 2016, which indicates that the momentum is being maintained.

The products that China exports to India fulfill the needs of the local market. Thus, a boycott of Chinese products would only satisfy some politicians’ personal vendettas at the cost of close ties between the two countries. Shen added that as two rapidly growing economies, China and India must cooperate on economy and trade. 

China hopes India will take the necessary actions to minimize any repercussions of this incident for the mutual benefit of both nations.