As Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump prepare to meet in the current US state and former Russian territory of Alaska on August 15 for talks centred on the conflict in Ukraine, they do so against a wider diplomatic background of engagements among the Global South, with BRICS+ in the lead, and triggered not least by the indiscriminate bullying tactics on the part of Trump.
Faced with the shameless bullying and arbitrary economic punishment beating on the part of the United States, not least in support of Trump’s fascist friend, former President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has conducted telephone diplomacy to coordinate positions with his Chinese, Russian and Indian counterparts.
On August 12, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Lula for one hour, at the latter’s request.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Brazil relations are at their best in history, with a good start and strong momentum in building the China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies. China is ready to work with Brazil to seize opportunities, strengthen coordination, deliver more mutually beneficial cooperation outcomes, set an example of uniting for strength among major Global South countries, and build a more just world and sustainable planet.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva briefed on Brazil’s current relationship with the United States and Brazil’s principled stance on firmly safeguarding its sovereignty. He appreciated China’s efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade rules, and its responsible role in international affairs. Brazil is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China within BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, oppose unilateralism and bullying acts, and safeguard the common interests of all countries.
Xi Jinping said that China supports the Brazilian people in defending national sovereignty and supports Brazil in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. Countries should unite in unequivocally opposing unilateralism and protectionism. The BRICS mechanism is an important platform for building consensus in the Global South. He congratulated Brazil on successfully hosting the BRICS Summit. Global South countries should join hands to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Their conversation was preceded by an August 6 call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brazilian Chief Advisor to the Presidency Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, again at the latter’s request.
Wang Yi said that China resolutely supports Brazil in defending its state sovereignty and national dignity and opposes groundless interference in Brazil’s internal affairs by external forces. China firmly supports Brazil in protecting its development rights and interests and resisting the bullying practices of arbitrary tariffs. China firmly supports Brazil in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South through the BRICS mechanism and promoting strength through unity among developing countries. Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries runs counter to the purposes of the United Nations Charter and undermines WTO rules. Such practices will win no support and cannot be sustained. China is ready to work with Brazil to fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, deepen bilateral cooperation, enrich the strategic dimension of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and effectively offset external uncertainties through the stability and complementarity of bilateral cooperation.
Celso Amorim noted that the profound friendship, strong mutual trust, and fruitful pragmatic cooperation between the two countries are truly commendable. Brazil is willing to work with China to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state and deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade and finance. The United States’ imposition of high tariffs on Brazil has disrupted normal economic and trade relations and interfered in Brazil’s internal affairs, which Brazil firmly opposes. Brazil thanks China for its steadfast support and is willing to work with China to promote the improvement and development of the BRICS mechanism, enhance solidarity and self-strength among the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.
What is also noteworthy is that relations between China and India are significantly improving.
On August 13, the financial news service Bloomberg reported that, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is drawing closer to the BRICS countries after US President Donald Trump hit the South Asian nation with a 50% tariff.
“Modi’s latest move is to resume direct flights with China as soon as next month, said people familiar with the negotiations who asked for anonymity to discuss private matters. The deal could be formally announced when Modi is expected to head to China for the first time in seven years and meet leader Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation held in Tianjin from Aug. 31…
“Modi’s economic calculus was fundamentally altered this month when Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil. The US president’s remarks that India’s economy was ‘dead’ and its tariff barriers ‘obnoxious’ further strained relations.”
The report added: “The Adani Group [of billionaire Gautam Adani, currently facing a US court indictment] is exploring a tieup with Chinese EV giant BYD Co. that would allow… Adani’s conglomerate to manufacture batteries in India and extend its push into clean energy, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Moreover, prior to his Alaska visit, Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with Xi Jinping on August 8, at the request of the Russian President.
President Putin briefed Xi Jinping on Russia’s views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and the recent contact and communication between Russia and the United States, adding that Russia highly appreciates the constructive role China has been playing in the political settlement of the crisis. He stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China will not change under any circumstances.
Xi Jinping said that no matter how the situation evolves, China will maintain its consistent position and continue promoting talks for peace. China welcomes contacts between Russia and the US to improve bilateral ties and advance the process of realising a political settlement of the crisis.
Both sides said they will make concerted efforts in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit to ensure a successful gathering of friendship, solidarity and fruitful results.
This call was one of a number made by the Russian President to brief and discuss with friendly leaders in the Global South ahead of his meeting with Trump. They include – in the order reported by the Russian President’s website – the leaders of South Africa, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, India, Brazil, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
In typically perceptive and pithy style, Alex Lo, writing in his regular “My Take” op ed column in the South China Morning Post on August 8 observed that the “US president may think he is driving a wedge between [BRICS] member nations but, in fact, he is forcing them together through his economic coercion.”
Alex noted: “Western critics used to claim BRICS had no ideological coherence or sense of mission and was little better than a talking shop. But that grouping of nations is becoming more cohesive and powerful, not least because of Western pressure.
“Donald Trump, for one, has been driving them ever closer and giving them a common purpose – to resist Washington’s economic coercion by developing their own trade and financial systems.
“Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, among other BRICS partnering states, now have every reason to stick together, lest Trump finishes them off one by one with his universal tariffs, or even a shooting war.”
After citing a number of concrete examples, he concludes: “Trump may think he is driving a wedge between the BRICS nations, but in fact, he is forcing them together.”
The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by the South China Morning Post. The latter is reproduced by kind permission of the author.
Xi Jinping Has a Phone Call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
August 12 (MFA) – On August 12, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the latter’s request.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Brazil relations are at their best in history, with a good start and strong momentum in building the China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies. China is ready to work with Brazil to seize opportunities, strengthen coordination, deliver more mutually beneficial cooperation outcomes, set an example of uniting for strength among major Global South countries, and build a more just world and sustainable planet.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that Brazil attaches great importance to its relations with China and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China, deepening strategic alignment, and promoting greater development of bilateral relations. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva briefed on Brazil’s current relationship with the United States and Brazil’s principled stance on firmly safeguarding its sovereignty. He appreciated China’s efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade rules, and its responsible role in international affairs. Brazil is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China within BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, oppose unilateralism and bullying acts, and safeguard the common interests of all countries.
Xi Jinping said that China supports the Brazilian people in defending national sovereignty and supports Brazil in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. Countries should unite in unequivocally opposing unilateralism and protectionism. The BRICS mechanism is an important platform for building consensus in the Global South. He congratulated Brazil on successfully hosting the BRICS Summit. Global South countries should join hands to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. China and Brazil should continue to work together to address global challenges, ensure the success of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, and promote the role of the “Friends for Peace” group in facilitating the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Brazilian Chief Advisor to the Presidency Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim
August 6 (MFA) – On August 6, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a phone call with Brazilian Chief Advisor to the Presidency Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim at the latter’s request.
Wang Yi said that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, China and Brazil have been working together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, which reflects the common vision and responsibilities of China and Brazil, as two major developing countries, committed to advancing a multipolar world, upholding international rules and order, and safeguarding international fairness and justice.
Wang Yi said that China resolutely supports Brazil in defending its state sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes groundless interference in Brazil’s internal affairs by external forces. China firmly supports Brazil in protecting its development rights and interests and resisting the bullying practices of arbitrary tariffs. China firmly supports Brazil in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South through the BRICS mechanism and promoting strength through unity among developing countries. Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries runs counter to the purposes of the United Nations Charter, and undermines WTO rules. Such practices will win no support and cannot be sustained. As the largest developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres respectively, China and Brazil have always supported each other, maintained close coordination, and staunchly safeguarded their respective legitimate interests and the common interests of Global South countries. China is ready to work with Brazil to fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, deepen bilateral cooperation, enrich the strategic dimension of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and effectively offset external uncertainties through the stability and complementarity of bilateral cooperation.
Celso Amorim said that the friendly interaction between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Xi Jinping underscores the significance of the Brazil-China community with a shared future. He noted that the profound friendship, strong mutual trust, and fruitful pragmatic cooperation between the two countries are truly commendable. Brazil is willing to work with China to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state and deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade and finance. The United States’ imposition of high tariffs on Brazil has disrupted normal economic and trade relations and interfered in Brazil’s internal affairs, which Brazil firmly opposes. Brazil thanks China for its steadfast support and is willing to work with China to promote the improvement and development of the BRICS mechanism, enhance solidarity and self-strength among the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Both sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wang Yi said that the six-point common understandings jointly issued by China and Brazil have played an active role in de-escalating the crisis. The jointly initiated “Friends for Peace” Group, together with Global South countries, has sent out an objective and rational voice and made positive efforts toward promoting dialogue and negotiation. The commencement of Russia-Ukraine negotiations marks an important step forward. The crisis resolution process is now entering a critical stage. China and Brazil can continue to maintain communication and make joint efforts to promote the “Friends for Peace” Group to further pool consensus among the Global South on reaching a ceasefire, ending hostilities and promoting peace talks, contributing to the political settlement of the crisis.
Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim said that Brazil and China can further advance the “Friends for Peace” Group to play a greater role in promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities, while also increasing mediation efforts to encourage dialogue and negotiations between the two parties.
Xi Jinping Has a Phone Call with Russian President Vladimir Putin
August 8 (MFA) – On August 8, 2025, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the latter’s request.
Vladimir Putin briefed Xi Jinping on Russia’s views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and the recent contact and communication between Russia and the United States, adding that Russia highly appreciates the constructive role China has been playing in the political settlement of the crisis. He stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China will not change under any circumstances, and that Russia will continue maintaining close communication with China.
Xi Jinping elaborated on China’s principled stance on the Ukraine crisis and stressed that complex issues have no simple solutions. No matter how the situation evolves, China will maintain its consistent position and continue promoting talks for peace. China welcomes contacts between Russia and the US to improve bilateral ties and advance the process of realizing a political settlement of the crisis.
The two heads of state spoke highly of the high-level political mutual trust and strategic coordination between China and Russia, and agreed to work together to advance the greater development of bilateral relations. Both sides will make concerted efforts in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit to ensure a successful gathering of friendship, solidarity and fruitful results and drive the SCO’s high-quality development.
The behaviour of Donald Trump is making Brics great again
August 8 (SCMP) – Western critics used to claim Brics had no ideological coherence or sense of mission, and was little better than a talking shop. But that grouping of nations is becoming more cohesive and powerful, not least because of Western pressure.
Donald Trump, for one, has been driving them ever closer and giving them a common purpose – to resist Washington’s economic coercion by developing their own trade and financial systems.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, among other Brics partnering states, now have every reason to stick together, lest Trump finishes them off one by one with his universal tariffs, or even a shooting war.
Thanks to the US president, Brazilians are today more united in their anti-American nationalism than ever before. Trump has imposed punishing 50 per cent tariffs and sanctioned a senior Brazilian judge who presides over the trial of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, whom he considers a friend and ally.
Trump has admitted the high tariffs were imposed not because of trade, but to punish Brasilia for “politically persecuting a former president of Brazil” and for “contributing to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law”.
But unlike Canada and Mexico, Brazil is far less dependent on the US market, which accounts for only 12 per cent of its exports. By contrast, 28 per cent of Brazilian exports go to China.
Bolsonaro is on trial for plotting a coup in the wake of his electoral defeat in October 2022, not unlike the coordinated Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. Washington’s charge about “the breakdown in the rule of law” seems doubly ironic as the rule of law is actually working fine in Brazil, but not so much in the US; Trump was never held legally liable for January 6.
Meanwhile, Trump has threatened more sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war. And in a comical if potentially deadly move, he ordered two US nuclear submarines to move to “the appropriate regions” after former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev made light of Trump’s threats and compared him to “Sleepy Joe”, Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden and the favourite target of his name-calling.
By now, it should be clear that China can tolerate India as an independent regional power so long as it does not gang up against it with the United States or the Western alliance.
However, Washington does not see India as anything other than a junior partner in its rivalry with Beijing in the Indo-Pacific.
For New Delhi, even being a member of the Quad pact has no purchase on Washington when it comes to leniency in trade negotiations.
Like Brazil, India has been slapped with 50 per cent tariffs. Trump has demanded that India stop buying Russian oil, never mind that the European Union is still buying natural gas from Moscow. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was incensed that Trump claimed credit for negotiating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
It’s perhaps not an accident that Modi has suddenly announced he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit between August 31 and September 1, his first China trip in seven years, after bitter border disputes between the two Asian giants.
In May, during a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump accused the country of committing “white genocide” while providing zero evidence. Rather absurdly, the Trump regime has offered refugee status to South African whites for allegedly suffering discrimination and mass violence. “White genocide” is a common conspiracy theory among the far-right and militia groups in North America.
One reason for Trump’s absurd charges is that Pretoria has spearheaded the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
China is, of course, America’s biggest threat, in the political mythology of Washington. Unfortunately, it has leverage that the other Brics member states don’t have, so Trump can’t really treat Beijing like he’s the boss. Trump may think he is driving a wedge between the Brics nations, but in fact, he is forcing them together.
US sanctions and now Trump’s tariffs are in effect accelerating the decline of Atlanticist imperialism while simultaneously motivating the BRICS countries to strengthen their partnerships thereby reducing their dependance on the US dollar and it’s imperialist financial institutions. US administrations will either wise up and adapt to a new and rapidly emerging multilateral world order or it will become a fallen empire and a failed state.