Global TimesBrazil and India defy the US after Trump's threats.
Chinese newspaper highlights firm reaction from countries in the Global South and exposes contradictions in US trade policy.
247 - O jornal Global TimesThe Chinese newspaper, on Tuesday (5), highlighted the reaction of India and Brazil to the new tariff threats made by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. According to the newspaper, the two countries — both members of BRICS and exponents of the Global South — “fired back” against the recent decisions of the US government, which foresee high tariffs on Indian and Brazilian products. Trump accuses India of profiting from the resale of Russian oil and justified the imposition of tariffs on Brazil as a response to the “political persecution” against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
"Brazil and India are among the ten largest economies in the world, maintain significant economic ties with the US, but have been expanding their relations with markets outside the American sphere," he noted. Global Times, adding that the two countries “have important strategic cards to play” in the face of the American offensive.
India accuses hypocrisy and affirms it will maintain its energy sovereignty.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, India described Trump's accusations as "unjustified and unreasonable," noting that the US itself continues to import strategic inputs from Russia, such as palladium, fertilizers, and materials for the nuclear industry.
The Chinese newspaper echoed this Indian argument, highlighting that, according to New Delhi, "the same countries that criticize India continue to trade with Russia without any apparent vital need."
The publication also cites Indian sources to point out that oil purchasing decisions are imperatives of national security, given the energy vulnerability of a population of over 1,4 billion people.
Brazil should take action at the WTO and is preparing emergency measures.
On the Brazilian side, the Global Times The report states that the Lula government is preparing a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the US, following the announcement of 50% tariffs on coffee, meat, and petrochemicals. The report emphasizes that the measure affects 35% of Brazilian exports to the US market.
According to the newspaper, Brasília is also coordinating lines of credit and financial support to mitigate the effects of the new trade barriers, but is keeping the avenue for dialogue open.
The newspaper highlights that, behind the scenes, Brazilian diplomacy sees political motivation in the tariff escalation. Global Times mentions reports from agencies such as Reuters, which link the tariff increase to the trial of Jair Bolsonaro, ordered by the Supreme Court, seen by Trump as part of a "witch hunt".
