BRICS is an open and inclusive platform that doesn't target any country, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday, voicing China's opposition to a tariff war.
Mao made the remarks at a regular news conference, after reports quoted the United States President Donald Trump as saying that countries aligning themselves with "the Anti-American policies of BRICS" will be charged an additional 10 percent tariff.
"The BRICS mechanism is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries," Mao said in response.
"It advocates openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. It does not engage in bloc confrontation, and does not target any country," Mao said.
Responding to the US threat to impose an additional tariff, the spokeswoman said China is opposed to using tariffs as a tool for coercion and pressure.
"It's in line with no party's interest to impose additional tariffs wantonly," Mao said.
"There is no winner in a trade war or tariff war. Protectionism leads nowhere," she said.