China wants to work ‘with Brazil’ to defend ‘equity’ in Trump tariffs

At a press conference on Monday (28), China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, constantly condemned the threat of the United States government to impose up to 50% tariffs on Brazilian products. He reiterated that China had already positioned themselves against this kind of measure, reinforcing that “tariff wars have no winners” and that “unilateral actions do not meet the interests of either party.”

Guo stated that Beijing is willing to work with Brazil, other Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as the BRICS members, to protect the Multilateral Trade System, centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO), and guarantee international justice and equity. “Unilateral practices do not serve anyone’s interests,” said the spokesman.

Asked about the possibility of China to expand its commercial opening to Brazilian products that today depend on the US market, Guo Jiakun reiterated that Beijing values pragmatic cooperation with Brazil. He specifically mentioned the aviation sector as a strategic area to deepen the partnership, “based on market principles” and with mutual benefits for the development of both countries.

“We are ready to promote this cooperation and boost the national development of both countries,” said Guo.

Brazil in expectation

When asked about the recent resumption of US and China negotiations, Guo said Beijing maintains a consistent position: bet on dialogue and mutual respect to reduce misunderstandings and foster healthy development in Sino-American relations. He also rejected the possibility of China accepting a similar agreement to the US and the European Union – a treaty considered unsatisfactory by Brussels.

“We are firmly opted for any attempt to sign an agreement at the expense of China’s interests,” he emphasized.

Brazil enters a decisive week in the face of the imminence of US tariffs, which are expected to take effect on Friday (August 1). So far, the Lula government has not given Washington’s clear response to attempts at dialogue. Chancellor Mauro Vieira, traveling to New York for UN meeting on Palestine, has signaled that he is ready to move to the US capital if an American willingness to negotiate.

An entourage with eight Brazilian senators from different parties also landed in the US over the weekend to try to open a channel with the Trump administration. The parliamentarians met this Monday with the Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti and Brazilian diplomats, and participated in meetings with representatives of the Brazil-United States Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Nelsinho Trad (PSD-MS) recognized the difficulties: “There is no dialogue channel. We are expecting to resume this understanding before the overwriting, which will be very bad for the entire Brazilian economy.”

Senator Rogério Carvalho (PT-SE) warned of Trump’s unpredictability in international relations: “Even here [nos EUA]there is no rationality in the president’s positions. The relationship with Brazil will be no different. We need patience, calm and firmness. ”

Exposed fracture in the global commercial order

The episode highlights Washington’s isolation in a moment of growing tensions in international trade. In seeking support in Beijing and Brics, Brazil bets on multilateralism as an antidote to American protectionism. China’s firm statement reinforces the dispute for protagonism in defining global trade rules and opens a strategic window for Brazil to diversify their partnerships.