Mao Ning says sovereignty is a basic norm in international relations
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized on Friday (11) the import tariff of 50% to Brazilian products announced this week by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
“Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are important principles of the United Nations Charter and Basic Standards in International Relations,” said Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, being questioned by a reporter about what he thought of the 50% tariff to Brazilian products announced by Trump.
“Tariffs should not be a coercion, intimidation or interference tool,” concluded Mao Ning.
Earlier this week, when Trump began sending letters to business partners with threats of rates of tariffs, Mao Ning had already criticized American protectionism.
“China’s position on tariffs is consistent and clear. There are no winners in a trade war or tariff. Protectionism harms everyone’s interests,” he said.
Understand
Last Wednesday (9), US President Donald Trump sent a letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announcing the imposition of a 50% tariff on all Brazilian exports to the US country, starting on August 1. In the document, Trump justifies the measure citing former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is a defendant in the Supreme Court (STF) for attempted coup.
On the same day, President Lula defended Brazil’s sovereignty and said that the raising of fares will be answered with the Law of Economic Reciprocity. Yesterday (10), Lula stated that the federal government will open an official complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to try to reverse the tariffs.
Experts heard by Agencia Brasil classify Trump’s pressure as a political blackmail and say the measure is a reaction to BRICS. During the bloc’s summit, which took place on Sunday and Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Trump had already threatened to tax countries that align with Brics by 10%.
Originally published by Agência Brasil on 07/11/2025
Edition: Lilian Beraldo
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/07/11/china-critica-tarifaco-contra-o-brasil-e-acusa-eua-de-intimidacao/
