Han Kyonh News: "We don't need an emperor," BRICS countries strongly counter Trump's tariff threats
Han Kyonh News, July 8th. After US President Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on countries that "support BRICS' anti-US policies" through social media on July 7th, the leaders of BRICS countries collectively responded. Brazilian President Lula, at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, said directly: "Big country presidents should not threaten the world through the internet; we don't need an emperor!" He emphasized the dignity of sovereign states, pointing out, "The world has changed, and Trump must realize this." South African President Ramaphosa, during a call with the White House the same day, directly pointed out "the asymmetrical behavior of the US is unacceptable," and the meeting became "tense and sweaty" due to pressure from the US side.
The joint declaration released at this summit did not explicitly name the United States, but clearly condemned "nonspecific tariffs that disrupt the global trade order" and "military attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities." Brazil's special envoy to BRICS, Otavio Brandão, used a proverb to mock the US: "This is like picking up a stone to throw at one's own feet, ultimately damaging American companies." Data shows that the BRICS countries account for 35.6% of the global GDP (2025 IMF data), and their exports to the US account for 18% of their total trade volume.
White House spokesperson Levitt said "the president is monitoring the summit developments," and the US believes that BRICS "harm American interests." Analysts point out that Trump's tariff threat involves over $600 billion in trade, which could trigger a joint countermeasure from emerging markets, accelerating the restructuring of the global trade system.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837029813761226/
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