China’s looking to team up with Brazil to “resist unilateralism and bullying”, as mentioned by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a chat with Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira.
Wang spoke to Vieira over the phone, saying China is ready to stand with Brazil amid thoughts of Brazil hitting back at the US with trade measures. This comes because President Donald Trump slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, causing a stir.
During the call, Wang told Vieira that China-Brazil relations are “at their best in history,” according to China’s Global Times, quoting Wang word-for-word.
Standing Strong with BRICS
Wang also highlighted how today’s world is facing many twists and turns and how China wants to team up with BRICS to look after the needs of developing countries. BRICS, led by China, includes powerful emerging nations like Brazil, and presents an alternative to groups like APEC and G7.
Signs show that Brazil might join forces with China and India to answer back to the US’s rough trade actions.
Wang brought up a previous phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula, when they strengthened their bond and aimed to build a shared future.
Lula even visited China in May for a five-day trip, showing the strong ties between the two countries.
China Expands Its Influence
China has been cozying up to Latin America to balance out the US’s traditional dominance in the region. Now, China has become Brazil’s biggest trading buddy, with many other Latin American nations joining Xi’s Belt and Road initiative.
Brazil sends a lot of soybeans to China, which depends on imports for its demand as the top consumer.
Ever since Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods like coffee starting August 6, US-Brazil relations have been frosty.
Trump’s trade policies mostly targeted countries with big trade surpluses with the US, but interestingly, the US gains more from trade with Brazil, having a $28.6bn surplus with them in 2024.
Political Backlashes
Trump said his tough stance on Brazil stems from alleged domestic legal actions against Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s ex-president, accused of coup attempts.
Trump wants charges against Bolsonaro – whom he sees as a friend – tossed out, and has sanctioned Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over the case.
Brazil recently voiced its discontent after the US pulled Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski’s visa.
With all the shifting alliances, what steps should Brazil take in its international relations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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