【Text by Observer Net, Liu Bai】 As the voice of openness and cooperation among the BRICS countries echoes in South America, US President Trump once again wields his tariff "sword", even openly threatening the BRICS countries, which quickly triggered a counterattack from the BRICS nations.

On July 7 local time, after the Rio de Janeiro Summit of BRICS Leaders, Brazilian President Lula gave an interview where he strongly criticized Trump's threats, telling reporters: "The world has changed. We don't need an emperor." Lula emphasized that the BRICS countries want to find another way of global organization from an economic perspective, which is why some people feel uncomfortable.

On the afternoon of July 7, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to inquiries at the regular press conference, stating, "Regarding the imposition of additional tariffs, China has already made its position clear multiple times — trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism has no way out."

According to Reuters, during the conclusion of the BRICS summit held in Rio de Janeiro, when asked about Trump's tariff threats, Lula firmly stated: "The world has changed. We don't need an emperor."

He spoke about the BRICS countries, saying: "These are a group of countries that hope to find a new way of global organization from an economic perspective. I think this is precisely why the BRICS countries make some people uneasy."

July 7, 2025, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazilian President Lula speaks at the press conference of the 17th BRICS Summit. Visual China

Lula reiterated his view that global trade should move away from dependence on the US dollar.

"The world must find a way for our trade relations not to be necessarily conducted through the US dollar," Lula said at the press conference after the summit.

"Of course, we must take it with caution and responsibility. Our central bank needs to discuss with central banks of other countries," he added, "This will be a gradual process that eventually consolidates."

This is not the first time Lula has criticized Trump. On June 25, Lula had criticized Trump's tone and his communication style with the media.

"As the president of a country as large as the United States, he (Trump) should be careful with his words," Lula said. "He should spend less time online and act more like a head of state... He should think more about multilateralism and peace."

Other BRICS countries also refuted Trump's threats.

South African President Ramaphosa told journalists that the BRICS countries do not seek competition with any other major power, and South Africa is confident in reaching a trade agreement with the United States.

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov said, "The uniqueness of the BRICS cooperation mechanism lies in the fact that it is a union of countries that share common concepts and hold the same worldview regarding the ways of cooperation from their own interests. Cooperation within the framework of the BRICS mechanism has never, and will never target any third country."

India has not yet made an official response to Trump's remarks.

At the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference on July 7, Mao Ning stated that the BRICS mechanism is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, advocating openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, without forming blocs or targeting any country.

At the press conference, another journalist questioned about Trump's threat of additional taxes. In response, Mao Ning reiterated that the BRICS mechanism is a positive force in the international community, and BRICS cooperation is open and inclusive, not targeting any country. Regarding tariffs, we have always opposed tariff wars and trade wars, and oppose using tariffs as a tool for coercion and pressure. Imposing tariffs arbitrarily does not benefit any party.

July 7, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BRICS Summit. Visual China

Trump threatened on June 6 on social media that any country supporting the BRICS countries' "anti-US policies" would be subjected to an additional 10% tariff.

"Any country that aligns with the BRICS countries' anti-US policies will be subjected to an additional 10% tariff. This policy will have no exceptions. Thank you for your attention to this issue!"

However, he did not explain or elaborate on what was meant by the "anti-US policies" mentioned in the post.

Last December, before winning the election and taking office, Trump had previously claimed that if the BRICS countries did not abandon their plan to create a currency that could replace the US dollar, the US would impose a 100% tariff on them.

While Lula criticized Trump's unilateralism, the US president continues to be obsessed with promoting his "equal tariffs" policy. Trump earlier stated that he would send letters to ten countries regarding increased tariffs on July 7.

On July 7, Trump signed an executive order extending the so-called "equal tariffs" deferral period, postponing the implementation date from July 9 to August 1.

He also posted letters to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon on social media, announcing that the US would impose a 25% tariff on all Japanese and South Korean products exported to the US starting August 1, 2025.

He warned that if Japan and South Korea respond by increasing tariffs, the US would raise the same amount of tariffs on top of the 25%.

Reuters described that in the context of armed conflicts and escalating trade tensions, the BRICS countries position themselves as a safe haven for multilateral diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has officially accepted the invitation to become a full member and is currently participating as a partner country. Over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS cooperation as a full member or partner country.

"The vacuum left by other countries was almost immediately filled by the BRICS countries," Reuters quoted a Brazilian anonymous official as saying. Although the Group of Seven (G7) still holds tremendous power, "it no longer has the dominant position it once had."

Before Trump issued his threats, the BRICS countries issued a joint statement on June 6, expressing "serious concern" about the US increasing tariffs, criticizing the US for initiating unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade, contradicting World Trade Organization rules, and possibly reducing global trade, disrupting global supply chains, and creating uncertainty.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Net. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524498729882190386/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author and readers are welcome to express their opinions by clicking on the [top/vote] buttons below.