The BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) are leading a global backlash against the latest round of tariffs brought in by US President Donald Trump, with a senior Chinese envoy calling the US a “bully” and other leaders making it clear they don’t intend to back down in the growing trade war.

President Trump’s executive order carved out a special tariff on goods shipped indirectly to the United States by way of other countries.

As the US raises tariffs and shuts out other markets, China’s journey to a more consumer-oriented economic model is becoming a geopolitical and economic imperative.