Compromise, retreat will only embolden bully

Although the BRICS countries have steadfastly opposed unilateralism since the group was founded, some Western media have still tried to portray the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Monday as the grouping's attempt to forge a united front against the United States. They are trying to create the impression that it is the US that is being targeted by a gang of gangsters rather than the other way round.

Even before the US launched its "reciprocal tariff" war on April 2, the BRICS grouping of major developing countries came under fire from the White House, which threatened a punitive 100 percent tariff on its members if the bloc moves ahead with a single currency to replace the weaponized dollar in trade relations between its members.

It is natural that the BRICS members should discuss the US assault on global trade and seek a coordinated response. They are all at a critical stage of their respective development and heavily reliant on exports. They need stable global industry and supply chains and a predictable external development environment.