Visiting China

'Nobody is going to forbid Brazil to improve its relationship with China', says president Lula

Brazilian president met Xi Jinping and defended partnership between countries; 40 new partnerships were signed

Translated by: Lucas Peresin

São Paulo (SP) |
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Lula and Xi Jinping in Beijing, China - Ken Ishii / AFP

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers' Party) is in China and met his Chinese homologous, Xi Jinping, this Friday (14). The meeting took place at the Great Palace of the People, seat of the Chinese government. At the time, the Brazilian government announced the signing of 15 new agreements with China. In all, forty new partnerships were signed during the visit of the Brazilian delegation to the Asian country.

The long-awaited meeting between the two heads of state included the signing of agreements in the areas of science and technology, communication, agribusiness and others. Agreements were also signed between companies in both countries. According to projections by the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, the signed agreements may total around R$ 50 billion in investments (approximately US$ 10.1 billion).

Tweet: "Good morning Brazil! I have now signed with President Xi Jinping agreements between our countries, to advance in areas such as renewable energy, the automotive industry; agribusiness, green lines of credit, information technology, health and infrastructure."

With regard to governments, mechanisms have been established for the exchange of electronic information on international health certificates for the export of products of animal origin; exchange of experiences on policies to combat hunger; a partnership between the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) and the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB); partnership for "television cooperation" and public communication agencies of the two countries; among other points.

Brazil and China will continue their aerospace partnership with the launch of a new CBERS satellite (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite). CBERS-6 will monitor the Amazon and promises to monitor deforestation in the region. Also in this regard, the two countries signed a joint declaration on climate change.

Tweet: "President Lula (Workers' Party) is in China and met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, this Friday (14). The meeting was awaited all over the world, given the economic and geopolitical importance of both countries. Check out some records of Lula's arrival. #BrasildeFato"

With regard to the private area, the following agreements were established: there will be a study of the financial and technical viability of renewable energy projects (offshore, solar, blue and green hydrogen) at Porto do Açu, in Rio de Janeiro; Seara promised to buy 280 electric trucks from JAC Motors; the Bank of China promised credit for JBS exports; Suzano entered into an agreement with COSCO to build 5 ships to transport cellulose; Banco BOCOM BBM announced its adhesion to CIPS (China Interbank Payment System), which is the Chinese alternative to Swift; among others.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these agreements are in addition to those announced during the Brazil-China Economic Seminar, on March 29, totaling more than 40 new partnerships.

During the meeting with Lula, the Chinese president highlighted that both countries "have common interests", are "important emerging markets" and can move towards a "new paradigm in development".

"It was with his [Lula's] attention and support that the China-Brazil relationship was able to perform a great leap forward," Xi said.

Climate changes

Brazil and China also issued a joint statement on tackling climate change. During the conversations, the presidents recognized that climate change represents "one of the greatest challenges of our time" and that tackling this crisis "contributes to building a shared future of equitable and common prosperity for humanity.

Lula and Xi Jinping argue that developed countries "have historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and must take the lead in expanding climate action" and argue that it is up to them to make efforts in "climate financing, respecting the right to development and the political space of developing countries".

Countries also decided to establish a Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change under the China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Committee (COSBAN). COSBAN is the main mechanism for regular dialogue between Brazil and China and has ten thematic subcommittees: Politics; Economic-Commercial and Cooperation; Economic-Financial; Industry, Information and Communication Technology; Agriculture; Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues; Energy and Mining; Science, Technology and Innovation; Space; and Culture and Tourism.

Edited by: Nicolau Soares e Flávia Chacon