Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have agreed to strengthen their countries’ partnership, with Xi suggesting that China and Brazil set an example of “unity and self-reliance” in the Global South. During a phone call on Monday, Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and Brazil, stating that their bilateral ties are “at their best in history” and that the alignment of their development strategies is making “smooth progress”.
The two leaders discussed various issues, including the role of the Group of 20 and BRICS in defending multilateralism, efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine, and expanding cooperation in sectors such as health, oil and gas, the digital economy, and satellites. Xi also expressed China’s support for Brazil’s national sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, urging all countries to unite against unilateralism and protectionism.
Lula’s office reported that both presidents emphasized their willingness to continue identifying new business opportunities between the two economies. The Brazilian president also highlighted the importance of China for the success of the COP30 world climate conference in November in Belem, Brazil. This growing partnership between China and Brazil comes as US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, including tariffs on Brazilian and Chinese goods, have sparked calls for greater cooperation among emerging economies.
In an interview with Reuters last week, Lula mentioned plans to contact the leaders of the 10-member BRICS group, which includes India and China, to discuss a coordinated response to US tariffs. Trump recently announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods and extended a pause on a 145% tariff on Chinese goods until November. China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner since 2009, with two-way trade reaching $188.17 billion last year.
The partnership between China and Brazil aims to promote unity and self-reliance among nations in the Global South, with both countries committed to defending multilateralism and expanding cooperation in various sectors. As the global economy continues to evolve, the strengthening ties between China and Brazil are likely to have significant implications for international trade and diplomacy.
