Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the United States’ recent decision to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Brazilian goods, set to start August 1. The US also accused Brazil of “unfair” trade practices and urged it to halt domestic political “persecution.”
“Tariffs should not be used as a tool to coerce or bully other countries, or to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs,” Mao said during a regular news briefing, emphasizing that sovereign equality and non-interference are core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and basic norms of international relations.
The comments highlight a broader debate over whether tariffs are purely economic measures or also instruments of political pressure. As global trade tensions rise, China’s call for adherence to international norms underscores the importance of respecting sovereign equality in an interconnected world.
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China says tariffs shouldn't meddle in countries' internal affairs
cgtn.com