As Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is visiting China from May 10 to 14, a senior Brazilian expert said the deepening partnership between Brazil and China provides a much-needed anchor of stability amid global trade tensions stoked by the United States, speaking to GDToday in an online interview from Rio de Janeiro on May 13.
"When a country creates hurdles, builds walls, or starts trade wars, Latin America seeks stable, respectful partnerships," said Henrique Couto Nóbrega, President of the Brazil-China Friendship Association. "China offers predictability and long-term commitments. It respects Brazil's development and engages through dialogue."
Lula's five-day trip is his second state visit to China since taking office in 2023 and his third meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Accompanied by a delegation of nearly 200 business leaders, Lula's visit reflects the strengthening ties between the largest developing economies in the Eastern and Western hemispheres.
Nóbrega stressed that the relationship is not just about trade. "Brazil and China are working together not only for mutual economic benefits but also for global goals like climate action, multilateralism, and inclusive growth," he said. "For Brazil, it means aligning with a partner that supports our development priorities and respects our sovereignty."
One major focus of cooperation is the Brazil-Peru Bioceanic Corridor — an ambitious infrastructure project aiming to create a direct route from Brazil to the Pacific and Asian markets. In April, a Chinese delegation conducted a feasibility study on the corridor, which would cross four Brazilian states and connect to Peru's Chancay Port via roads, railways, and waterways. Once completed, the project could shorten Brazil's trade route to China by up to 10,000 kilometers.
Beyond infrastructure, Brazil is also looking to expand cooperation with China in areas such as clean energy, education, and healthcare. "We expect concrete results from this visit, including agreements in key sectors," Nóbrega said.
Brazil was the first country to establish a strategic partnership with China, later upgrading it to a comprehensive strategic partnership. In November 2024, the two nations took another step forward, elevating their ties to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.
Lula's visit coincides with the 4th ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, marking a decade of growing ties between China and Latin America. Today, China is the region's second-largest trading partner and a major source of investment.
For Brazil, strengthening ties with China offers a path to greater economic resilience. "It's not about taking sides. It's about diversifying options," Nóbrega said. "Together, China and Brazil can help shape a fairer, more balanced world."
Reporter | Liu Xiaodi
Text | Liu Xiaodi
Video editor | Liang Zijian
Video script | Liu Xiaodi, Ouyang Zixuan (intern)
Camera | Liu Xiaodi
Voiceover | Liu Xiaodi
Cover designer | Cai Junru
Editor |Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
