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China has insisted that the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and others, is not aimed at confronting the United States, following a threat from US President Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on countries aligned with the group.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday that the BRICS nations promote inclusive cooperation, not rivalry. “Trade and tariff wars benefit no one, and protectionism offers no solution,” she told reporters.
Trump, who previously paused heightened tariffs to allow room for trade negotiations, said he would begin sending letters on Monday to countries that have yet to strike deals with Washington. The letters would signal the return of the higher duties he originally announced in April, unless agreements are finalised.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also warned that an additional 10 percent tariff would be imposed on nations that align themselves with BRICS, accusing the bloc of fostering “anti-Americanism” after its condemnation of his tariff policies during a summit in Rio de Janeiro.
BRICS, initially formed as a coalition of fast-developing economies, is often perceived as a Chinese-led counterweight to Western influence. However, Beijing defended the alliance’s role on Monday, stating that it promotes cooperation among emerging markets and is not designed to provoke hostility.
“It is not aimed at any particular country, nor does it encourage bloc confrontation,” said Mao. “BRICS supports openness, mutual benefit, and inclusive development.”
