China Responds to Trump’s Tariff Threats, Says BRICS Not Seeking Confrontation

China on Monday dismissed the idea that the BRICS alliance is aiming for confrontation, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries supporting what he described as “anti-America” policies within the bloc.

“Trade and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism is not a solution,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing, according to AFP. She emphasized that China opposes the use of tariffs as a tool for political coercion.

The sharp response from Beijing came after Trump warned of punitive tariffs on nations aligning with BRICS, following the BRICS 2025 Summit held recently in Brazil. There, the 10-member grouping—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE—issued a strong joint statement condemning U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, calling the actions “illegal” and a violation of international law.

The statement marked one of the most forceful rebukes of Western military actions by the bloc to date. Although the declaration didn’t name the U.S. directly, it slammed the growing use of tariffs and warned that such moves threaten global trade stability and disrupt international supply chains.

China reiterated that BRICS is a platform for cooperation and dialogue, not division. “The use of tariffs serves no one,” Mao Ning said, according to Reuters.

Trump’s remarks appear to have been triggered by the BRICS condemnation of the Iran strikes. He accused the bloc of pursuing policies that undermine U.S. interests and warned that nations supporting the resolution should brace for economic consequences.

In addition to the Iran issue, the BRICS summit also addressed the ongoing war in Gaza, expressing concern over unilateral military actions and calling for peaceful solutions. The bloc positioned itself as the voice of the Global South, criticizing the escalation of violence and advocating for diplomacy.

The BRICS declaration also condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and called for stronger measures against cross-border terrorism and financial networks supporting such activities.

As tensions rise, Trump said he has prepared tariff letters targeting 12 countries, which are “signed and ready.” He plans to issue them at 12 PM EST on Monday.

This comes as the U.S. nears the end of a temporary suspension on revised tariffs. Back in April, Trump announced sweeping tariff increases on all U.S. trading partners, triggering widespread diplomatic backlash and halting trade talks. The administration issued a 90-day pause, which was later extended to July 9.

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