Beijing responded to former US President Donald Trump’s threat of imposing tariffs on countries supporting “anti-American” policies of BRICS nations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the bloc, emphasizing its open and inclusive nature, and reiterated China’s opposition to using tariffs as a tool for coercion. Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, indicated a potential 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with anti-American policies of BRICS, without specifying which policies he was referring to. This announcement preceded the administration’s preparation to send tariff letters to numerous countries. The BRICS group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to reshape global power dynamics and promote a multipolar world order. The timing of Trump’s statement coincided with the BRICS summit hosted by Brazil, where member countries expressed concerns over unilateral tariff measures. Some BRICS nations, like India, are currently engaged in trade negotiations with the US, and it remains unclear if Trump’s warning will impact these talks. Earlier, Trump had warned of a 100% tariff on BRICS members supporting a shared currency. Economists suggest that Trump’s expansive tariff approach could raise costs for American consumers, potentially leading to higher prices.
