In an era of escalating global trade tensions, the question looms large: Will China, as the economic powerhouse of the BRICS alliance, rally behind its allies in the face of aggressive US policies? Recent developments, including US President Donald Trump’s imposition of hefty tariffs on BRICS nations like Brazil and India, have thrust this query into the spotlight. As of August 13, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva underscores Beijing’s commitment to unity in the Global South, positioning BRICS as a counterweight to US unilateralism.
US Tariffs Fuel BRICS Solidarity
The US’s tariff blitz in 2025, including a 50% levy on Indian and Brazilian exports, has been framed as retaliation for their Russian oil purchases and perceived “anti-American” stances within BRICS. Trump’s threats extend to an additional 10% tariff on any BRICS-aligned country, labeling the bloc as “anti-American.” These actions could cost India and Brazil billions, with India’s exports to the US (valued at over $80 billion annually) facing severe disruptions, and Brazil’s coffee, beef, and petrochemical sectors hit hard.
In response, Xi Jinping assured Lula that China supports Brazil’s sovereignty and opposes “bullying practices of arbitrary tariffs.” This rhetoric aligns with China’s broader push for multilateralism, as seen in Xi’s call for BRICS to safeguard international fairness and defend developing nations’ rights. Recent X posts highlight growing anti-US sentiment, with users noting how tariffs are “pushing BRICS closer” and accelerating dedollarization efforts. Lula’s vow to coordinate a BRICS response, including talks with Xi, Putin, and Modi, signals a united front.
From a geopolitical angle, China’s stance is pragmatic: Standing up for allies like Brazil bolsters its image as a Global South leader, countering US hegemony. Economically, it protects supply chains—China is Brazil’s top trading partner, with $150 billion in bilateral trade in 2024. Militarily, while BRICS isn’t a defense pact like NATO, shared interests in non-alignment could evolve into deeper security ties, especially amid US Indo-Pacific pressures.
Is China the Biggest Beneficiary of the BRICS Alliance?
Undoubtedly, yes. As the world’s second-largest economy, China dominates BRICS, contributing over 60% of the group’s GDP (projected at $26 trillion in 2025, surpassing the G7’s share). The alliance amplifies China’s influence in global governance, from the New Development Bank (NDB) to contingency reserves, where Beijing holds sway. In 2025, BRICS expansion to 11 members (including Indonesia, Iran, and UAE) enhances China’s access to resources and markets, with intra-BRICS trade hitting $1.8 trillion—much of it flowing through Chinese ports.
Economically, China benefits from dedollarization initiatives, promoting RMB use in 30% of BRICS transactions by mid-2025. Geopolitically, BRICS shields China from US sanctions, as seen in its $244.8 billion trade with Russia. A recent X thread emphasizes China’s gains: “BRICS boosts China’s tech exports, from EVs to AI, reshaping global supply chains.” However, critics argue this dominance creates imbalances, with smaller members like Ethiopia reliant on Chinese loans.
Is China Only Joining BRICS to Protect Its Own Trade Interests?
While trade protection is a core motive, it’s not the only one. China’s involvement dates to BRICS’ 2009 inception, initially as an economic forum. Today, it safeguards $4.5 trillion in annual exports amid US tariffs averaging 27% on Chinese goods. By diversifying via BRICS, China reduces US dependency—its BRICS exports rose 15% in 2024.
Yet, Beijing’s agenda extends beyond trade. It promotes a multipolar world, challenging US-led institutions like the IMF. Xi’s vision includes green tech dominance, with China exporting EVs and solar panels to BRICS partners, cutting global oil demand by 5 million barrels daily by 2030. Recent investments, like $379 million in Brazil in H1 2025, highlight this. Geopolitically, BRICS counters US influence in the Global South, as evidenced by Xi’s support for Brazil’s sovereignty. X users speculate: “China’s BRICS play is about RMB internationalization and anti-US alliances.”
China’s Hidden Agenda in BRICS Trade-Politics
Beneath the surface, China’s BRICS strategy is a multifaceted bid for global primacy. Economically, it pushes dedollarization to erode US financial dominance, with BRICS exploring a common currency or digital payments. Politically, it fosters anti-Western sentiment, positioning itself as the Global South’s champion against “unilateral bullying.” Hidden motives include securing resources (e.g., Brazilian soybeans, African minerals) and exporting overcapacity in green tech, amid domestic slowdowns.
From a security angle, BRICS complements alliances like SCO, where China coordinates with Russia and India against US encirclement. Critics on X warn of “China’s debt-trap diplomacy” in BRICS loans. Yet, internal rifts—e.g., India-China border tensions—could undermine this agenda.
Will Other BRICS Members, Like Brazil, Be Able to Stand Up to the US?
Brazil, facing 50% US tariffs on key exports, exemplifies the challenges but also the potential resilience through BRICS. Lula’s coordination with Xi and Modi signals a collective pushback, leveraging BRICS’ 30% global GDP share. China’s support, including $379 million in investments and approving 183 Brazilian coffee exporters, bolsters Brazil’s economy.
However, Brazil’s US dependency (15% of exports) limits standalone defiance. With BRICS backing, it can diversify—trade with China hit $150 billion in 2024. X discussions note: “Tariffs could unify BRICS against US bullying.” Long-term, Brazil’s green agenda (biofuels alliance with India) enhances autonomy. Yet, internal politics and economic vulnerabilities pose risks.
China’s Pivotal Role in a Multipolar World
China’s ability to stand up for BRICS allies against the US hinges on its economic clout and strategic maneuvering. While benefiting immensely from the alliance, its agenda transcends trade, aiming to reshape global order. For members like Brazil, BRICS offers a buffer, but success depends on unity amid US pressures. As tariffs escalate, 2025 could mark BRICS’ transformation from economic forum to geopolitical force.
