China has reacted to the threat of new 10 per cent trade tariff by US President Donald Trump on nations aligning with the BRICS group, saying the bloc was not confrontational and not targeting any country.
In a post on Truth Social on July 6, President Trump had warned that any country aligning with BRICS or its “anti-American policies” would face additional tariffs, with no exceptions.
Responding at a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning said, “BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets in developing countries. It advocates openness, inclusiveness, and willing cooperation. It is not a bloc for confrontation, nor does it target any country.”
Mao added that China has consistently opposed protectionism and warned that trade wars benefit no one.
“Trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism leads nowhere,” Mao said.
Trump also said he would begin sending out tariff letters, or announcing new trade deals on July 7, as a 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariff plan draws close.
He argued that tariffs were necessary to force fairer trade agreements and revive U.S. manufacturing.
The comments came after BRICS held its 17th summit in Brazil over the weekend.
The bloc, which comprised 11 countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, condemned rising tariffs and what it called “unilateral protectionist measures,” without directly naming Trump.
The BRICS declaration also criticised Israel’s military actions in the Middle East and mentioned the conflict in Ukraine only once, notably avoiding any criticism of Russia.
