Li Qiang urges Brics collective action as Trump tariff deadline looms

China’s Premier Li Qiang attends the first plenary session of the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6. Bloc leaders voiced concerns over the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures. Photo: AFP

US President Donald Trump has threatened to slam an additional 10 per cent tariffs on countries supporting what he calls “anti-American policies” after the leaders of Brics nations condemned unilateral tariffs.

“As the leading bloc of the Global South, Brics countries should … strive to be a pioneering force in advancing the reform of global governance,” Li said in a speech delivered at the Brics summit on Sunday and released on Monday morning.

At an event widely seen as a direct challenge to the Western-led world order, the premier said member states should uphold independence, show a sense of responsibility and take greater action to build consensus and pool their strengths.

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Brics leaders condemn strikes on Iran and tariffs but avoid direct mention of US, Israel

Brics leaders condemn strikes on Iran and tariffs but avoid direct mention of US, Israel

As the clock counts down to the end of a temporary tariff truce with the US on Wednesday, Li called for improving global governance.