Responding to Trump's threat of 50% tariffs, Brazilian President Lula said he is not afraid to stand against Trump.
In an interview with The New York Times, Lula urged Trump to avoid creating a "lose-lose" relationship between the two largest economies in the Americas, and said he is not afraid to publicly criticize Trump - whom he recently called "the emperor."
"There is no reason to be afraid. Obviously, I am concerned because we have economic, political, and technological interests. But Brazil will never negotiate as a small country facing a big one. Brazil will negotiate as a sovereign nation," Lula said. His officials are willing to negotiate with the United States on economic issues: "In the political relations between the two countries, the will of any party should not dominate. We always need to find a middle ground. This is not about chest-thumping to do things we cannot achieve, nor is it about bowing down and saying 'Amen' to any American demands."
But Lula pointed out that Bolsonaro's political future is a judicial issue, so there is no room for negotiation, "Brazil has a constitution, the former president is under trial, and he has the right to defend himself completely," Lula said. He said his message to Trump was, "If President Trump imposes this tariff on Brazil because of the case against former President Bolsonaro, then both Brazilians and Americans should not become victims of politics."
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839139146589200/
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