Lula Says Brazil Is Not Subordinate Nation

(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva issued a strong message on Tuesday asserting Brazil’s sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference, in what was widely seen as a pointed response to escalating tensions with Washington.

Speaking at the second ministerial cabinet meeting of the year, Lula emphasized that Brazil will not tolerate being treated as inferior on the global stage.

"Anyone who wants to enter these 8.5 million square kilometers, our airspace, our maritime space, our forests, must be accountable to our Constitution and our legislation," Lula declared, defending the country's territorial and legal autonomy.

He underscored that all are equal under Brazilian law and firmly opposed foreign impositions.

The remarks came as a rebuttal to recent actions by the Trump administration, including punitive economic measures and public criticism. On July 30, the U.S. announced tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian exports and imposed sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, a Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who stands accused of plotting to overturn the 2022 election results.

Lula criticized both the tariffs and threats linked to regulating major U.S. tech firms, signaling that Brazil is prepared for dialogue—but only as equals.

"What we are not willing to accept is to be treated as if we were subordinates," he said.

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Brazil a "horrible trading partner" and described the Bolsonaro trial as a "political execution."

Despite the growing rift, Lula stated Brazil remains open to discussions with the United States, provided mutual respect guides the negotiations.

MENAFN31082025000045017169ID1109998880