Developing countries attending the BRICS summit on Monday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the group is “anti-American,” after he threatened to impose new tariffs of 10% on member states.

Trump’s warning, announced late Sunday, came as Washington aimed to finalize multiple trade agreements before a July 9 deadline for implementing extensive “retaliatory tariffs.”

At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said tariffs should not serve as “tools for coercion and pressure,” emphasizing that BRICS fosters “win-win cooperation” without targeting any particular nation.

South Africa, which previously faced a 30% tariff later suspended amid ongoing trade discussions, also dismissed the accusation. Trade ministry spokesperson Kaamil Alli stressed, “We are not anti-American,” highlighting that talks with the U.S. remain “constructive and fruitful.”

The Kremlin shared a similar view, with a Russian spokesperson stating that cooperation within BRICS is founded upon “a shared global outlook” and is “not directed against any third country.”

India and Brazil—the summit’s host—did not immediately comment on Trump’s statements. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva avoided directly addressing the issue, instead telling reporters he would comment after the summit. His opening remarks concentrated on the event’s formal agenda, notably environmental and public health matters.

A senior Brazilian diplomat, speaking anonymously, remarked that Trump’s threats underscored BRICS’ significance as a forum enabling developing nations to advocate for fairer, more effective international trade policies.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s senior economic minister, Airlangga Hartarto, who is representing one of the newest BRICS members, was scheduled to travel to the U.S. on Monday for further tariff negotiations, according to officials.