On November 19, the bustling streets of Brasilia welcomed a significant guest: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Brazilian capital for a state visit that promised to strengthen the bonds between China and Brazil. Greeted warmly by the Chief of Staff of the Brazilian Presidency, Rui Costa, and other senior officials, President Xi’s visit marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the two nations.
The G20 Summit provided the backdrop for this renewed cooperation. Amidst global discussions, China and Brazil seized the opportunity to focus on their shared commitment to development. The two countries reinforced their consensus on combating hunger and poverty—challenges that have long plagued nations across the globe. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took a bold step by launching the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty at the Summit. In a parallel move, President Xi unveiled eight actions for China’s global development efforts, signaling China’s intention to join and support the alliance.
The strides made by China and Brazil in poverty reduction are nothing short of remarkable. Since initiating its reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, contributing over 70 percent to global poverty reduction. The World Bank’s report, “Poverty, Prosperity and the Planet,” highlights that, thanks to China’s efforts, the global poverty rate dropped from 38 percent in 1990 to 8.5 percent in 2024.
Brazil, under President Lula’s leadership, has also made significant progress. In 2023, the number of people living in extreme poverty in Brazil decreased by 40 percent compared to the previous year. An impressive 24.4 million people were freed from hunger, and the proportion of those suffering from severe food insecurity and malnutrition plummeted from 15.5 percent to 4.1 percent—a new record for the nation.
The synergy between China and Brazil has been a driving force behind these achievements. Their cooperation serves as an effective “external aid” in tackling poverty and food shortages. Data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicates that in 2023, Brazil remained China’s top source of agricultural imports, exporting $59 billion worth of products, which accounted for 24.85 percent of China’s total agricultural imports. Essential food items like soybeans, corn, and meat from Brazil have helped China maintain a balance between food supply and demand.
Conversely, China’s increasing imports from Brazil over the past two decades have provided Brazil with substantial economic benefits. This trade relationship has bolstered Brazil’s economy, offering basic support for improving the earnings and livelihoods of its people.
The partnership between China and Brazil exemplifies the power of collaboration in the Global South. By joining forces in the fight against hunger and poverty, they not only enhance their own national well-being but also set a precedent for other nations seeking to address similar challenges through cooperation and shared development goals.
Reference(s):
China-Brazil: Pioneers of co-development in the Global South
cgtn.com
