China, Brazil respond to Trump's latest tariff threats on BRICS nations
發佈日期: 2025-07-08 19:37
TVB News
The two-day BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government concluded in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
Member states have resisted the latest tariff threat by U.S. President Donald Trump, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang calling on countries to stand firm against unilateralism and protectionism.
Li met Director-General of the World Trade Organization on the sidelines and said China is ready to join hands with the international community to get the world economy back on track.
The final day of the BRICS summit was dedicated to addressing issues including climate change and eradicating neglected diseases.
Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other members and partner nations had reached consensus on a declaration that sealed commitment to enhancing multilateralism, defending international law, and working for a more equitable global order.
The Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the Climate Finance Framework Declaration were adopted by acclamation.
When addressing the plenary sessions, Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need to maintain stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains in his call for building an open world economy.
Li said greater BRICS cooperation should uphold the fundamental principles of the WTO, while promoting trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.
He backed the expansion of the New Development Bank and welcomed qualified Global South countries to invest in China's financial market.
Li announced a China-BRICS research centre on new quality productive forces will be built this year, and China is planning to set up a scholarship for members of the bloc to facilitate talent cultivation in industry and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has warned an extra 10 percent duty on emerging economies aligned with what he branded as "anti-American" positions, hitting back at BRICS criticism of unilateral trade barriers.
The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from the Brazilian leader.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it is not right for a president of a nation the size of the United States to go around threatening the world on the internet.
"The world has changed. We don't want an emperor," Lula said. "If he thinks he can impose tariffs on countries, countries also have the right to do the same."
In Beijing, the foreign ministry said it opposed the idea of using tariffs for "coercion and pressuring," and that protectionism harms the interest of all parties.
A spokesperson stressed BRICS focuses on openness and win-win cooperation, saying "it does not seek confrontation, nor does it target any country."
