In what is certainly an important development for the alliance, China is reportedly following India’s lead as the BRICS nations are both in contact with US President-elect Donald Trump. Indeed, India recently stated its willingness to embrace the 47th United States President on the heels of a stark warning issued to the economic bloc.
Trump had warned the group that he would implement 100% tariffs if they were to continue their ongoing de-dollarization plans. As the bloc has restated its efforts to ditch the US dollar to evade sanctions, the threat inches closer to fruition. Now, nations in the collective are drawing lines in the sand, with some seeking greater collaboration with the US.
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China and Trump Reportedly Talking Following India’s Statement Regarding the US
The BRICS economic alliance is currently embroiled in a rather concerning geopolitical conflict. Where the current US president mostly ignored the bloc’s de-dollarization, it has not been afforded the same treatment from incoming commander-in-chief Donald Trump.
Now, with big threats levied against the group, nations are making their choice. In the most recent development, China is reportedly set to follow India’s lead, as the BRICS nations have sought to embrace Trump and the incoming administration. According to reports, the returning president is in contact with both world leaders. Moreover, the talks have been collaborative.
Specifically, Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping are reportedly engaged in ongoing communication. “We’ve already been talking,” Trump said, according to a Reuters report. “We’ve been talking through their representatives,” he clarified.
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“And I think we will probably get very well, I predict,” Trump added. “But you know, it’s going to be a two-way street.” Trump has long accused China of ‘ripping off’ the US. However, that tone is absent in these recent statements. Moreover, China has responded in kind.
The report notes the nation attached “great importance” to Trump’s statements, according to its foreign ministry. “China is willing to promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations,” they added.
Alternately, the talks of a 100% trade tariff have already impacted China. The economy has sputtered, with its currency falling to a 16-month low amid fears of what Trump’s inauguration could mean for its trade dealings. With the impact already being felt, a choice is looming for BRICS nations.