Rio de Janeiro, August 8, 2025 — The headquarters of the Brazil–China Friendship Association, in Rio de Janeiro, was the stage last Thursday (7) for the celebrations of “China–Rio de Janeiro Friendship Day.” Authorities, representatives of institutions and companies, as well as cultural and academic leaders, highlighted the importance of deepening ties and expanding cooperation in different areas.
Representing the Vice President of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) and President of the Brazil–China Parliamentary Front, Deputy Tia Ju, parliamentarian Rosana Coutinho stated that the friendship between the two countries has already overcome challenges and has been consolidated as a solid bridge between their peoples. “We want to strengthen mutual understanding, expand areas of collaboration, and build an even closer and more comprehensive partnership,” said parliamentarian Rosana Coutinho.
The President of the Brazil–China Friendship Association, Henrique Nóbrega, recalled that the organization has been both a witness to and a driving force in this rapprochement. Over the years, it has promoted academic exchanges, business cooperation, artist visits, and dialogue between public institutions.
"These actions are seeds of friendship that will continue to bear fruit in the future."
Henrique Nóbrega, President of the Brazil–China Friendship Association
Established by state law in 2018, “China–Rio Friendship Day” is celebrated every August 8. Since then, the Chinese presence in the state has intensified, with investments in sectors such as electric power, oil, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.
Among the participants was CNOOC Brasil’s General Manager, Huang Yehua, who was awarded the Tiradentes Medal by the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) for his contribution to socioeconomic development. He highlighted the company’s twelve years of operations in the country and its commitment to social responsibility, citing projects supporting public education, promoting culture, and fostering Brazil–China exchanges. Huang also emphasized the creation, in 2024, of the China–Brazil Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, in partnership with the China University of Petroleum and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
The event also included the participation of a group of students from Tsinghua University, who are in Brazil for academic and cultural activities. For the professor leading the delegation, Guan Xiaozhuang, the occasion reinforces the role of youth as both heirs and builders of friendship between nations. Student Fan Jingyue emphasized that “cultural bridges, once built, bring hearts closer and overcome distances.”
The celebration also brought together the President of the Brazil–China Institute for Innovation Economy, Cláudia Jannuzzi; the Vice President of the Mountains and Rivers Cultural Center of Brazil, Bruna Comanche; the President of the Association of Chinese Merchants and Entrepreneurs in Rio, Chen Bingwen; as well as other community leaders, totaling around one hundred guests.