China has pledged full support to Brazil in resisting President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff policy, calling it a threat to global trade stability and a violation of international law. In a Wednesday phone call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered to deepen strategic cooperation with Brazil against what he called the “external uncertainties” created by the United States.
The statement, released by the Chinese Embassy in Brazil and confirmed by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, criticized Trump’s tariffs as “unsustainable” and a breach of both U.N. and World Trade Organization frameworks. Wang assured Brazil of China’s backing in defending its development rights and resisting “abusive tariffs.”
The two countries are founding members of the BRICS bloc and have aligned themselves ideologically under socialist leadership. China’s support comes after Trump signed an executive order designating Brazil a national security threat. The move imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports into the U.S., citing the persecution of conservatives and political targeting of former President Jair Bolsonaro by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal.
President Trump also emphasized the censorship and suppression of political opposition in Brazil as justification for the tariffs. “Lula can call me anytime,” Trump said last week, indicating he was open to talks, though no direct communication has occurred between the two presidents.
Amid the tension, Brazil is pushing to expand its diplomatic footprint in China. The Lula administration is preparing to open a tax advisory office in Beijing, citing the growing complexity of trade with China. The Brazilian Finance Ministry insists the move is purely technical, denying any political motive.
Chinese officials are positioning the China-Brazil relationship as a model for the “Global South,” claiming both nations promote “multipolarization” and reduced dependence on U.S. influence. “China is willing to work with Brazil to continually deepen cooperation in various fields,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad confirmed he would meet remotely with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on August 13. Talks may include Brazil’s critical and rare earth minerals, a key interest of the Trump administration. Depending on the outcome, an in-person meeting could follow, with hopes of easing tensions and reaching a compromise.
As the tariff standoff continues, China’s backing provides Lula a major diplomatic lever, though the political cost of alienating Washington remains high. Trump’s administration continues to assert that punitive tariffs are necessary to protect American industry and stand against authoritarian regimes hostile to conservative values and free expression.
