China slams US tariffs on Brazil, urges against interference in internal affairs

ISTANBUL

China on Friday slammed the US’s new 50% tariff on Brazil set to take effect on Aug. 1, urging against interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries.

“Sovereign equality and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs are important principles of the UN charter and basic norms in international relations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing.

“Tariffs should not be used as a tool for coercion, bullying, or interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” Mao added.

Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff Wednesday on all Brazilian goods entering the US, citing that country’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged censorship targeting American platforms.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday criticized the new tariffs, saying: "Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage."