Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation between Brazil and China: Assessing President Lula da Silva's Visit
This article examines the recently concluded visit of President Lula da Silva of Brazil to China, with a particular focus on initiating bilateral agreements in the domains of agriculture, livestock, travel, tourism, climate change, and peace agreements. The visit commenced with President Lula's arrival in Shanghai, where he discussed with President Xi Jinping. Both leaders, representing emerging powers in the current global order, aimed to strengthen cooperation and engage in dialogue concerning trade relations and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with the overarching goal of revitalizing the bilateral relationship between their respective nations.
In the contemporary international landscape, Brazil and China have emerged as key players, both economically and politically. The recent visit of President Lula da Silva to China signifies a significant effort to reinforce cooperation and address pertinent issues such as trade relations and the lingering Ukraine war. This article aims to critically analyze President Lula's visit, assessing its potential implications for bilateral ties between Brazil and China.
In a significant move aimed at repairing their previously antagonistic relationship, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva embarked on his third state visit to China. The visit, which took place on Friday in Beijing, was seen as an opportunity for Brazil to mend ties with China following the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, during which relations with Beijing had become strained. The meeting between President Lula and Chinese President Xi Jinping resulted in a joint statement, emphasizing the need for negotiation as the only viable solution to the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
Prior to the visit, there were speculations that Brazil and China would jointly facilitate a peace agreement, acting as peace brokers in the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the joint statement released after the meeting took a more cautious stance, avoiding explicit references to invasion or war. Instead, it highlighted the importance of bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table after more than a year of hostilities.
The joint statement underscored that both Brazil and China have attempted to carve out a position regarding the Ukraine conflict while refraining from explicitly taking sides and prioritizing their respective business ties with Russia. Although the statement did not offer specific solutions to resolve the crisis, it emphasized the shared belief that negotiation remains the only viable pathway towards a resolution.
In a significant development, the Brazilian and Chinese governments signed 15 bilateral agreements on Friday, highlighting their commitment to enhanced cooperation. These agreements spanned various fields, with a particular emphasis on technological collaboration. Additionally, collaborations in agriculture, trade facilitation, and news sharing were also established between the two countries.
One of the key areas of focus in the bilateral agreements was technological cooperation, with several agreements aimed at fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. A joint working group was formed to facilitate bilateral trade, eliminate unnecessary trade barriers, and expedite the movement, release, and customs clearance of goods and services between the two nations.
Of utmost significance was the renewed commitment to space cooperation. Both Brazil and China have been actively engaged in the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program, and they have now agreed to jointly develop the seventh satellite under this program, known as CBERS-6. This satellite incorporates advanced technology that enables efficient monitoring of biomes and allows for the tracing of Amazon rainforest development even in cloudy conditions.
According to Brazil's Science and Technology Minister, Luciana Santos, CBERS-6 utilizes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which overcomes the limitations of earlier satellite imagery systems by providing images through cloud cover. This breakthrough will greatly enhance the satellite's capabilities, as cloud cover previously obstructed a significant portion of the satellite's views.
In terms of financial commitment, both Brazil and China have agreed to share the costs of manufacturing and launching the satellite, demonstrating their joint investment in this crucial venture. It is anticipated that CBERS-6 will be ready for launch by 2028, marking another milestone in Brazil-China space cooperation.
In addition to the significant strides made in science and technology cooperation, Brazil and China have further solidified their partnership through the signing of agreements in other crucial areas. The two countries have formalized an agreement on state news agency cooperation, with China's Xinhua and Brazil's EBC joining forces to share short stories and photographs. This collaboration aims to enhance cooperation in digital media, information technology, and cultural exchange, ultimately bolstering each nation's soft power on the global stage.
The agreement on news agency cooperation signifies a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and promoting cultural exchange between Brazil and China. Through the sharing of stories and images, both countries seek to inform their respective populations about the rich tapestry of their cultures, traditions, and accomplishments. By leveraging the power of digital media, Brazil and China aim to enhance their global presence and showcase their cultural diversity to a wider audience.
Furthermore, Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Xi Jinping also signed an agreement on sanitary requirements for animal protein, accompanied by a work plan for electronic certificates. This agreement holds significant importance in ensuring the safety of trade between the two nations, particularly concerning the importation of hazardous chemical products intended for consumption.
The primary objective of this agreement is to establish stringent sanitary requirements that will prevent the entry of hazardous chemical products into both Brazilian and Chinese markets. By implementing rigorous standards and certification processes, Brazil and China aim to safeguard public health and consumer well-being. The work plan for electronic certificates will streamline and facilitate the verification and documentation processes, ensuring efficient and secure trade of animal protein products.
This agreement highlights the commitment of both countries to prioritising consumer safety and establishing a robust framework for trade in animal protein. By maintaining strict sanitary requirements, Brazil and China aim to build trust and confidence in the quality and safety of their respective food products, fostering a thriving trade relationship between the two nations.
The signing of these agreements underscores the multifaceted nature of the Brazil-China partnership. Beyond scientific and technological collaboration, Brazil and China recognize the importance of cooperation in the media industry, digital communication, and ensuring the safety of trade. These agreements pave the way for deeper engagement, mutual benefit, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
In addition to the extensive discussions on various fronts, trade emerged as a key focus area for Brazil and China, driven by a shared desire to break free from the dominance of the United States dollar and its hegemonic influence. Both countries are actively exploring the potential of a Yuan-Real agreement, which would serve as a cornerstone for their bilateral economic cooperation. By fostering collaboration in the realm of the Yuan-Real exchange, Brazil and China seek to challenge the overall monetary system based on the US dollar and undermine the economic foundation of the United States on the international stage.
Recent trade statistics indicate that the bilateral trade volume between Brazil and China is currently hovering around the $150 billion mark. However, both nations are determined to bolster this figure further and spearhead the process of de-dollarization within the international system. By leveraging their economic ties and gradually reducing their reliance on the US dollar, Brazil and China aim to pave the way for a more diversified and balanced global financial landscape.
The Yuan-Real cooperation serves as a crucial stepping stone in this strategic endeavour. By enhancing their economic cooperation through the Yuan-Real agreement, Brazil and China seek to diminish the dominance of the US dollar in their bilateral transactions and foster a more independent and resilient economic relationship. This move aligns with their shared vision of reducing the sway of the United States in the international economic order.
The significance of this shift should not be underestimated. As two major global economies, Brazil and China have the potential to exert considerable influence and drive change in the international monetary system. Their concerted efforts to increase trade volume and embrace alternative currencies, such as the Chinese Yuan and the Brazilian Real, lay the groundwork for a paradigm shift away from the long-standing dominance of the US dollar.
While this process will undoubtedly be complex and require careful coordination, Brazil and China are resolute in their commitment to gradually reshape the international economic landscape. Their determination to diversify currency usage and reduce reliance on the US dollar sends a clear signal of their intent to challenge the existing order and foster a more equitable and multipolar global financial system.
In conclusion, the state visit between Brazil and China, two emerging powers in the international world order, had been eagerly anticipated since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assumed office for his third presidential term. President Lula expressed his belief that the relationship between Brazil and China is exceptional and has matured significantly over time. He affirmed that nothing can impede Brazil's continued development of its relationship with China. Similarly, President Xi Jinping referred to Brazil as an "old friend of the Chinese people," and Chinese media has designated the bilateral relationship with Brazil as a "diplomatic priority."
The visit underscored the significance and depth of the partnership between the two nations. The characterization of the relationship as extraordinary and mature reflects the growing mutual respect and understanding that has evolved between Brazil and China. President Lula's assertion of Brazil's unwavering commitment to advancing its ties with China demonstrates the intention to foster a long-term and fruitful association.
President Xi's designation of Brazil as an old friend signifies the historical and enduring nature of the bond between the Chinese people and Brazil. This sentiment reinforces the mutual appreciation and value placed on the relationship by both sides. The recognition of Brazil as a diplomatic priority by the Chinese media highlights the strategic importance attached to the bilateral relationship and the intention to allocate significant attention and resources to its development.
The state visit between Brazil and China serves as a testament to the ever-growing significance and depth of their partnership. The use of such positive and assertive language by both leaders and the media reflects the strong desire to further strengthen and expand the bilateral relationship. This visit marks an important milestone in the diplomatic ties between Brazil and China, signifying the mutual commitment to continued cooperation and the recognition of the strategic importance of their alliance.
Overall, the state visit between Brazil and China has solidified their status as key players in the international arena. The expressions of admiration, commitment, and priority attributed to the relationship by both leaders and the Chinese media highlight the substantial progress made in their partnership. The academic analysis of this visit underscores the importance of this evolving relationship and its potential impact on the global order.
REFERENCES
Arias, T., (2023, April 11). Brazilian President Lula travels to China with hopes for trade and peace. CNN world. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/11/americas/lula-brazil-china-visit-intl-latam/index.html
Bradsher, K. ( 2023, April 14). Brazil’s Lula Meets Xi in China as They Seek Path to Peace in Ukraine. The New York times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/14/world/asia/brazil-china-russia-ukraine.
Cede, S. ( 2023, April 14). Lula and Xi sign 15 agreements on trade, Agriculture, and New Satellite. The Brazilian Report. https://brazilian.report/liveblog/2023/04/14/china-lula-agreements
Tobin, M., Li, Lyrics (2023, April14). Lula tells Xi ‘nobody can stop’ brazil-China relationship. The Washington post. https://brazilian.report/liveblog/2023/04/14/china-lula-agreements
Wong, K., Cao, A., (2023, April 13). China cosies up with Brazil’s Lula on a state visit full of deals, diplomacy and South American inroads. South China morning post.https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3216961/china-cosies-brazils-lula-state-visit-full-deals-diplomacy-and-south-american-inroads
Pic Courtsey-Pankaj Jha
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
