'Self-reliance' key to US onslaught

TRADE: CHINA TO 'UNITE WITH BRAZIL TO SET EXAMPLE'

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China's President Xi Jinping told his Brazilian counterpart yesterday the two countries could set an example of "self-reliance" for emerging powers, as trade and geopolitical challenges mount.

The two leaders have both sought in recent months to present their countries as staunch defenders of the multilateral trading system in stark contrast with US President Donald Trump's tariff onslaught.

Xi's call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva yesterday came just hours after Trump announced another 90-day pause to blistering tariffs on China.

It also followed indications from Lula last week he planned to speak to the leaders of India and China to consider a coordinated response to US trade measures.