Diplomatic relations between Brazil and China have reached their 50th anniversary in 2024. The bound between China and Brazil has been particularly important in the fields of economy and agriculture and has deepened their strategic cooperation. In June 2024, at the Seventh General Session of the China-Brazil High-Level Commission for Coordination and Cooperation (COSBAN), eight intergovernmental documents were signed, and cooperation has been reached in more than thirty fields, such as; agriculture, finance, environment, and trade.[1]
COSBAN is prominent in examining and navigating the cooperation between China and Brazil regarding strategic areas. Bilateral trade relations have reached their peak with the exportation of 36.2% of Brazil’s agricultural exports to China. China has been the largest destination market for Brazil’s agricultural exports and has been a major driving force behind the record growth in Brazil’s agricultural exports.
In 2023, Brazil exported 60,24 billion dollars worth of agricultural products to China, and the primary components of these strategic products were; soy beans, corn, sugar, beef, and cotton. China’s approval of hygiene requirements, especially for the Brazilian nuts, has boosted Brazil’s agricultural exports. In addition, the agreement to promote Brazilian coffee to China’s largest coffee chain created a great opportunity for the Brazilian economy. Minister Fávaro highlighted the other agreements that were achieved during the mission regarding the expansion of the opportunities for Brazilian coffee in China. The Federal Government provided an agreement to promote Brazilian coffee in China’s largest coffee chain (Luckin Coffee Inc.). The agreement includes the import of approximately 120,000 tons of Brazilian coffee valued at around 500 million dollars.[2]
This strategic cooperation has been backed by Brazil’s sustainable production and the improvements of their environmental politics. Efforts to rehabilitate degraded soils strengthen Brazil’s claim to environmental leadership in the international arena. In this regard, the cooperation made with China contributes to the achievement of Brazil’s aim for sustainable development.
Deepening relations between Brazil and China has significant consequences regarding global geopolitical dynamics. President Lula da Silva’s determination to maintain the negotiations for long-term strategic cooperation with China shows the growing role of Brazil’s in the global arena. Lula has expressed Brazil’s openness to participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but he has also underlined that he does not want this cooperation to jeopardize relations with the United States of America (USA). In this regard, it is noteworthy that Brazil’s efforts to establish balanced relations with China and the USA in order to contribute to the multi-polar world order. While Lula emphasized Brazil’s need to find strategic partners, he also stated that instead of clashing with the USA, Brazil aims to establish strong ties with both countries. This balanced policy of Brazil solidifies its position in both regional and global power structures.[3]
Following these developments, on August 15, Chinese President Xi Jingping stated that he supports his country’s efforts to build a community with a shared future with Brazil. China and Brazil have an increasingly important role in the international arena for developing countries and emerging markets. The consisted development between two countries over the past 50 years has created an important strategic alliance in global terms. As Xi stated, these relations have proceeded with strong cohesion and cooperation despite the changing circumstances in the international environment. Through this process, China and Brazil have not only sought their own national interests but also world peace, stability, and prosperity.[4]
As Lula emphasized, cooperation between Brazil and China has been becoming increasingly critical for the construction of a multi-polar world order. This cooperation is not only valuable for the economic development of both countries but also for more just and efficient global governance. Xi’s expression of China-Brazil relations as “a reflection of the new dimensions of our age” indicates that this cooperation will deepen in political, cultural, and strategic fields and set an example for the global community.
The assessments of the future of bilateral relations need to focus especially on the coherence of the two countries’ development strategies and how they would react to changing international balances. As Brazil can position itself as an important partner for the global projects of China, such as the BRI, China, on the other hand, can be able to increase its influence in the region by supporting Brazil’s leadership in Latin America. Such cooperation will strengthen both countries’ positions in the global governance and provide greater regional and international balance.
In conclusion, the future of China-Brazil relations will be shaped by deeper and more multi-dimentional cooperation. The next 50 years will make a significant contribution to global stability and predictability with both countries building a new route that is in alignment with their strategic goals. This cooperation will not only be a guarantee for both countries, but also for global peace and prosperity. Brazil-China relations have gone beyond economic cooperation and have become a strategic partnership. Deepened relations with China by Brazil have the potential to restrict the US influence in the region. However, by pursuing a balanced foreign policy between these two great powers, Brazil maintains its strategic partnership with China while trying to preserve its ties with the United States. The balance policy of Brazil could play a great role in the transition to a multi-polar world order. Thus, the impact of relations between Brazil and China on the global power balance needs to be closely examined.
[1] At COSBAN, Minister Fávaro highlights strong Brazil-China trade relations, Gov.br, https://www.gov.br/agricultura/en/news/at-cosban-minister-favaro-highlights-strong-brazil-china-trade-relations, (Access Date: 15.08.2024).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Brazil’s Lula nods to ‘long-term partnership’ with China, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/brazils-lula-nods-long-term-partnership-with-china-2024-08-14/, (Access Date: 15.08.2024).
[4] Xi says China ready to work with Brazil to promote building of China-Brazil community with shared future, The State Council The People’s Republic of China, https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202408/15/content_WS66bde692c6d0868f4e8e9f49.html, (Access Date: 15.08.2024).
