On November 20, 2024, the political landscapes of Brazil and China saw significant changes as Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a state visit to Brazil, solidifying the already strong bilateral ties between the two countries. This visit marks yet another chapter in the long-standing relationship, which has been cultivated over the past five decades. Brazilian President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva welcomed Xi at the Alvorada Palace, where the two leaders joined for what was described as "fruitful discussions" aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of nearly 40 international agreements covering diverse fields such as trade, energy transition, agriculture, health, and digital economies. The discussions projected ambitious plans for collaboration, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, advanced technologies, and environmental initiatives. Studies suggest the partnership could deepen over the next 50 years, aiming to establish what the leaders termed as the "China-Brazil community with shared future for justice and sustainability."
The two countries already enjoy extensive trade relations. China has been Brazil's largest trading partner since 2009, overtaking the United States. Recent statistics show trade between Brazil and China reached approximately USD 136.3 billion from January through October 2024. This reliance on China is underscored by how exports to China outstripped those to both the US and the EU combined, highlighting Brazil's increasing economic interdependence with its Asian counterpart.
During the ceremonial signing at the palace, Xi referred to China and Brazil as "reliable friends with shared destinies" and emphasized the significance of this partnership as positive forces promoting global peace and cooperation. He also remarked on the responsibility both nations share as significant stakeholders representing the Global South.
Xi's visit has come at what many view as pivotal expectations for Latin America’s geopolitical standing. Flavia Loss, an international relations professor, noted the efforts of China's recent large-scale investments and initiatives throughout Latin America, including the recent inauguration of a USD 1.3 billion megaport project in Peru. "Latin America, once overlooked by the United States and EU, is increasingly finding itself aligned with China," Loss observed, predicting the intensification of these ties could accelerate with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
The relations between Brazil and China took somewhat of a backseat during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, whose administration witnessed numerous friction points with Beijing, including accusations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Lula's administration has actively sought to repair and strengthen these ties. Lula emphasized this visit as not just about renewing relations, but about replacing Brazil's global presence during and after the Bolsonaro era. He articulated, "What we achieve collectively resonates around the globe," drawing attention to their collaborative frameworks within entities such as the United Nations and BRICS.
Both leaders underlined their mutual commitment to addressing regional issues and enhancing cooperation on strategic global matters, including environmental challenges and the quest for peace, particularly concerning longstanding crises like the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The notion of establishing synergies between Brazilian developmental strategies, such as the New Industry Brazil and China's Belt and Road Initiative, was also on the table, marking distinct paths toward shared interests and objectives.
Lula's administration aims for the establishment of task forces on financial cooperation and sustainable development to swiftly advance priority projects within two months, reinforcing their promises for collaborative efforts on pressing global issues.
The visit culminated with the intent to commemorate 2026 as the China-Brazil Year of Culture aimed at enriching cultural ties and enhancing mutual appreciation between the peoples. This soft diplomacy aspect is expected to complement the economic dialogue and trade negotiations already underway.
Through this state visit, both China and Brazil appear to be forging pathways not only toward solidifying their strategic partnership but also toward establishing their footing globally, balancing interests amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. The relationship continues to hold potential for growth, responding proactively to the challenges and opportunities of the new era.
