China offered to strengthen economic ties with Brazil on Monday and defend what it called "fairness" in global trade, days before sweeping US tariffs on Brazilian exports are set to take effect. The move added another layer of diplomatic complications to a fast-deepening trade rift between BrasIlia and Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats could hit Brazil with a 50% levy, sparking economic concerns. Ties with former president Jair Bolsonaro complicate matters, impacting diplomatic relations.

Trump had threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazil beginning Friday if the country did not drop the charges against Bolsonaro. But he acted earlier, signing an executive order on the new tariffs yesterday.