(MENAFN) On Monday, China firmly dismissed threats of “additional” US tariffs targeting countries that side with the BRICS coalition, emphasizing that trade conflicts yield no winners.

Speaking at a live-streamed news briefing in Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, “We believe BRICS is a force for good in the international community and does not target any third party.”

The warning came amid the ongoing BRICS leaders’ summit in Brazil, where US President Donald Trump announced late Sunday that nations supporting the bloc’s anti-American policies would face an extra 10% tariff.

“There will be no exceptions to this policy," Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

In response, Mao underscored China’s consistent opposition to tariff and trade wars. China “always opposed tariff war and trade war… We oppose the use of tariffs as a tool to coerce and pressure others. Imposition of tariffs serves no one's interest,” she said.

Highlighting the role of BRICS, Mao added, “The BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. It advocates inclusiveness and win-win cooperation.”

Originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining a year later, BRICS has since expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—bringing its membership to 11 nations plus 10 strategic partners.

This coalition seeks to develop alternative financial systems, lessen reliance on the US dollar, and amplify representation of the Global South in international bodies, posing a challenge to Western-dominated global governance.

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