- China reiterates BRICS is a cooperative platform, not an anti-West alliance.
- Trump threatens 10% tariff on BRICS-aligned nations amid Brazil summit.
- Beijing urges dialogue over economic intimidation, warns against protectionism.
As BRICS leaders gathered in Brazil to discuss deepening ties among emerging economies, China swiftly addressed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of imposing an additional 10% tariff on nations aligning with the bloc.
Trump’s threat comes at a sensitive juncture, hinting at a renewed U.S. effort to curb the growing influence of BRICS, which now commands increasing sway over global trade dynamics.
Trump’s Tariff Threat Reignites Trade Tensions; China Calls for Cooperation, Not Confrontation
Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs is widely viewed as a strategic maneuver ahead of the upcoming U.S. election cycle. By targeting countries leaning toward BRICS, he aims to revive nationalist economic policies and portray a tough-on-trade image. However, this approach risks further fragmenting the already fragile global trading system, especially when developing nations are seeking alternatives to traditional Western-led alliances.
China, in contrast, is positioning itself as a stabilizing force within BRICS, promoting the group as a collaborative, multipolar framework. Mao Ning’s remarks stressed that the bloc does not operate under the premise of exclusion or hostility. Her message was clear: BRICS aims to amplify voices of the Global South, not to provoke friction with established powers.
India, Brazil, and South Africa—key BRICS members—have remained cautious but committed to BRICS’ shared vision of development-driven diplomacy. With Russia’s involvement and ongoing global tensions, the group continues to walk a tightrope between autonomy and global integration. Their unified stance against protectionism sends a subtle message to Washington: economic coercion won’t easily derail global realignments.
Meanwhile, BRICS’ growing appeal is prompting discussions on expanding the bloc and reducing reliance on Western currencies in trade. Such moves are likely to gain traction if trade threats from the U.S. escalate. Rather than isolate BRICS, these aggressive policies could accelerate efforts toward regional partnerships and greater economic self-sufficiency.
China’s composed rebuttal and reaffirmation of BRICS’ cooperative mission signals that emerging economies are unwilling to be drawn into another era of trade confrontation. Instead, they seek mutual growth on their own terms.
“You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” – Indira Gandhi
