As Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visits China from 10 to 14 May, a Brazilian expert said that the deepening partnership between Brazil and China provides a much-needed anchor of stability amid global trade tensions fuelled by the United States, speaking to GDToday in an online interview from Rio de Janeiro on 13 May.
"When a country creates obstacles, builds walls or starts trade wars, Latin America seeks stable and 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 almost 200 business leaders, Lula's visit reflects the strengthening of ties between the largest developing economies in the Eastern and Western hemispheres.
Nóbrega emphasised 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 such as 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 of the main focuses of co-operation is the Brazil-Peru Bioceanic Corridor - an ambitious infrastructure project with the aim of creating a direct route from Brazil to the Pacific and Asian markets. In April, a Chinese delegation carried out a feasibility study on the corridor, which would cross four Brazilian states and connect to Peru's Chancay Port by road, rail and waterway. Once completed, the project could shorten the trade route from Brazil to China by up to 10,000 kilometres.
In addition to infrastructure, Brazil is also looking to expand co-operation with China in areas such as clean energy, education and health. "We expect concrete results from this visit, including agreements in key sectors," said Nóbrega.
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 fairer 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 an important 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," said Nóbrega. "Together, China and Brazil can help shape a fairer and more balanced world."
Reporter | Liu Xiaodi
Text | Liu Xiaodi
Video editor | Liang Zijian
Video script | Liu Xiaodi, Ouyang Zixuan (internal)
Camera | Liu Xiaodi
Voice | Liu Xiaodi
Cover designer | Cai Junru
Editor |Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He