Bangladesh, Aug. 8 -- In a fresh flare-up of global trade tensions, China has thrown its weight behind Brazil after Washington announced sweeping new tariffs on the South American countrys exports. Beijing accused the United States of using trade measures as a political weapon, warning that such actions violate international law and undermine the global economic order.

On August 6, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the United States decision to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods. The punitive measure, introduced by US President Donald Trump in late July, was ostensibly aimed at countering what Trump described as a threat to “US national security.” However, Washingtons real ...