On August 15, 1974, China and Brazil officially established diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, the two nations have cultivated a robust partnership, marked by cooperation in various fields and a shared vision for the future. This milestone anniversary is being celebrated with a series of activities that reflect the depth and breadth of their relationship.
Strengthening Ties Through Mutual Cooperation
Since the beginning of the year, China and Brazil have engaged in numerous events, including the release of a commemorative logo featuring the number 50 adorned with the colors of both national flags. Seminars, conferences, and the opening of a Brazilian consulate general in Chengdu, southwest China, highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations.
In 1993, Brazil became the first developing country to establish a strategic partnership with China. This relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, positioning Brazil as the first major Latin American country to reach such a level with China. During Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s state visit to China in April 2023, the two sides issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Diverse Areas of Collaboration
The cooperation between China and Brazil spans a wide array of fields, including traditional sectors and emerging areas like the green economy, digital economy, and innovation. In the realm of science and technology, the two countries have collaborated closely in space exploration for 36 years. Together, they have jointly developed six satellites under the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program, contributing significantly to environmental monitoring and disaster relief efforts in Brazil.
In agriculture, Brazil has been the top source of China’s agricultural imports since 2018. In 2023, Brazil exported over $58 billion worth of agricultural products to China, accounting for nearly a quarter of China’s overall agricultural imports. This strong trade relationship emphasizes the mutual benefits and interdependence between the two economies.
As President Xi Jinping remarked, “China and Brazil are good friends sharing the same vision and good partners marching forward hand in hand.” China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner, export market, and source of trade surplus for 15 consecutive years, while Brazil remains China’s largest trading partner in Latin America.
A Partnership Beyond Bilateral Scope
China and Brazil, as the largest developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemispheres respectively, recognize the importance of their relationship on the global stage. Their partnership extends beyond bilateral interests, serving as an exemplar for solidarity and cooperation among developing nations and contributing to global peace and stability.
President Xi emphasized the significance of this relationship during his meeting with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in Beijing, stating that the two countries should leverage the 50th anniversary to strengthen exchanges in culture, education, tourism, and between legislative bodies, political parties, local governments, and youth.
Vice President Alckmin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the joint efforts of China and Brazil in safeguarding multilateralism and free trade. “We need to strengthen multilateral organizations, support multilateralism, and work for a more just, peaceful, and united world that values development,” he said.
In a demonstration of their collaborative approach to global issues, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus in May on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, receiving positive responses from over 110 countries. This initiative underscores their commitment to addressing international challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
The Rise of the Global South
Both nations recognize their roles in the collective rise of the Global South. Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that “the Global South countries represented by China and Brazil have achieved a collective rise and promoted a more balanced and reasonable structure of world power.”
As China and Brazil celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations, their deepening partnership not only benefits both countries but also contributes to a more equitable and harmonious international community. With shared goals and cooperative initiatives, they continue to forge a path toward mutual prosperity and global development.
Reference(s):
China-Brazil ties at 50: Good friends and partners, Global South rise
cgtn.com
