China criticizes US sanctions against Moraes and condemns foreign interference.

By Bianca Penteado, from Beijing – Ambassador Qiu Xiaoqi, China's special representative for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, condemned on Tuesday (9) the sanctions imposed by the United States on Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Supreme Federal Court (STF). In a press conference, the diplomat described the measures as an example of unilateralism and reinforced Beijing's position against interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Qiu emphasized that the partnership between China and Brazil remains strategic in the context of the Global South and highlighted the importance of maintaining multilateral dialogue. “As two important partners in the Global South, China and Brazil maintain discussions and negotiations on many international issues. We must continue to follow the principles and objectives of the UN Charter and establish a fairer and more democratic system,” he said.

“We are opposed to unilateralism and promote multilateralism. We reject hegemony and interference in internal affairs by any other country. We have defended peace in the international community,” he emphasized.

In late July, the Trump administration announced sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act. This provision of U.S. law authorizes the application of economic sanctions to individuals accused of corruption or serious human rights violations. Those affected by the law may have assets frozen in the United States, bank accounts frozen, and entry restrictions to the U.S.

Moraes, as well as family members and "allies" of the magistrate, had already had his visa revoked since the 18th of the same month. In addition to the Supreme Court Justice, Brazilians linked to the Mais Médicos program also had their visas suspended.

Commercial tariffs

Back in July, Trump announced an increase to 50% in tariffs on Brazilian imports, a move interpreted as an attempt by the US to interfere in Brazil.

In a letter sent to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the taxation, the Republican criticized the treatment given to former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial in the First Chamber of the Supreme Federal Court on charges of participating in an attempted coup d'état. At the time, the US government even stated that there was a "witch hunt" against the former president.

Trump also justified the new tariff by alleging an 'unfair' trade relationship with Brazil and citing Supreme Court decisions ordering social media networks to suspend accounts of individuals under investigation for crimes such as threats and incitement to coups d'état.