Key Facts
• On August 12, Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a phone call.
• Both leaders agreed to counter U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
• The U.S. announced a 10% tariff on BRICS-aligned nations and 50% on some Brazilian imports.
• Xi emphasized BRICS unity against unilateralism and protectionism.
• Lula opposed hegemonic actions and called for stronger multilateral cooperation.
• Both leaders discussed strategies to address U.S. trade measures.
• Ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit on August 15, they also discussed the Ukraine crisis.
• China and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to a political resolution for Ukraine.
• In May 2024, both nations jointly proposed a peace plan for Ukraine.
• The call highlighted mutual support for each country’s legitimate interests.
Summary
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a phone discussion on August 12, focusing on countering U.S. tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. The U.S. recently imposed a 10% tariff on BRICS-aligned nations and a 50% tariff on certain Brazilian imports. Both leaders emphasized the importance of BRICS unity against unilateralism and protectionism, with Lula advocating for enhanced multilateral cooperation. Additionally, they discussed the Ukraine crisis, reaffirming their commitment to a political resolution and referencing their joint peace proposal from May 2024. The call underscored mutual support for each nation’s legitimate interests and strategies to address U.S. trade measures.
