Aug 12, 11:08 AM

Xi, Lula Pledge BRICS Unity After Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariffs

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by telephone with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 12 Aug., urging “all countries to unite and firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism,” according to official read-outs in Beijing and Brasília. Xi said China is willing to work with Brazil as an exemplar of “unity and self-reliance” for the Global South amid escalating trade friction with Washington. The two leaders agreed to deepen coordination within the G-20 and the BRICS forum, and to broaden bilateral cooperation in health, energy, the digital economy and satellite technology. Xi reiterated China’s support for Brazil’s “legitimate rights” and sovereignty, while Lula emphasised the importance of defending multilateral trade rules. The call follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise duties on a wide range of Brazilian products to 50%, and his threat to impose a 10% blanket tariff on all BRICS members. Brasília has requested consultations at the World Trade Organization and is seeking a coordinated response with Beijing and New Delhi. BRICS capitals have moved to tighten economic ties ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week. Moscow and Brasília signed a new financial-cooperation pact on Tuesday, and member states have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism despite Washington’s escalating tariff pressure.