“The US has started a trade war despite international laws and rules BRICS has taken a clear stance on this key matter and firmly opposes protectionism and unilateralism,” Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs Zhang Jun noted in Beijing on Friday.
"Washington’s actions were not supported by the international community", Chinese assistant minister of foreign affairs added.
Zhang Jun added that BRICS – a loose grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – would deal with the challenges posed by “unilateralism” and policy changes in Western developed economies.
The US has threatened on Tuesday to impose tariffs on US$200 billion worth of Chinese goods – in addition to the levies introduced last week on US$34 billion of Chinese products.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will reinforce the message at the BRICS summit in South Africa, one stop on a 10-day overseas trip from July 19 that will include state visits to the United Arab Emirates, Senegal and Rwanda.
Xi will also stop in Mauritius for a meeting with the country’s prime minister.
Washington came up with the tariffs in response to complaints about market access and forced technology transfers.
China responded with similar tariffs of its own on US goods.
