Beijing: China is prepared to collaborate with Brazil to enhance bilateral cooperation in response to what it considers "arbitrary" US tariffs, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a phone conversation with Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president of Brazil.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang's remarks were made public through a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He underscored China's support for Brazil in defending its right to development and opposing the use of tariffs as a tool of economic pressure. Wang criticized the tariffs, suggesting they violate the UN Charter and undermine World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Trump described the move as a "witch-hunt" targeting Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces accusations of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results that favored current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

President Lula da Silva responded by declaring that Brazil would use all available resources, including the WTO, to counter the new US tariffs. Speaking at an event in Brasilia, Lula stated, "In 2025, we will resort to all possible measures, starting with the WTO, to defend our interests." He further noted that the Brazilian government was already taking steps to bolster foreign trade and create new opportunities for domestic companies before the US administration's change.

Relations between Brazil and the US have become strained following Washington's decision to impose sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The sanctions are linked to his role in investigating a coup attempt associated with former President Bolsonaro.