China Counters Trump’s Tariff Warning, Asserts BRICS Open to Dialogue Not Confrontation
China has responded to the recent tariff threats by US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the BRICS alliance is not seeking confrontation and warning that trade wars are detrimental to all parties involved. This response followed Trump's declaration of a potential 10% tariff on nations aligning with BRICS' perceived "anti-American" stance, in light of the group's criticism of US-Israel military actions in Iran.
During a standard press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning argued that leveraging tariffs as a political tool is ineffective. She stated, "The use of tariffs serves no one," and reiterated China's position that protectionism weakens global trade.
Trump's warning came in response to the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Brazil, where the expanded 10-member group, which includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE, condemned US-Israeli military actions on Iranian nuclear and military targets as "illegal" and urged compliance with international law.
While the BRICS declaration did not explicitly name the United States, it criticized the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs and cautioned that such measures could disrupt global supply chains. This appears to have prompted Trump’s harsh reaction, as he accused the group of undermining US interests.
Beyond the situation in Iran, BRICS members also expressed concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration urged action against cross-border terrorism and illicit financial activities.
Trump later announced that tariff letters targeting 12 countries have been completed and are "signed and ready," with plans to deliver them at noon EST on Monday. This follows an earlier announcement in April regarding a comprehensive tariff increase, which met with global opposition and resulted in a temporary 90-day suspension now extended to July 9.
Amid rising global tensions, China’s reaction underscores its preference for diplomatic solutions, even as international divides grow over trade, conflicts, and strategic alignment.
