Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to travel to China next month for his third official meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since taking office in 2023. A fourth meeting is already scheduled for July, reflecting a steady diplomatic rhythm that’s reshaping the China-Brazil partnership.
This close cooperation comes at a time when global trade dynamics are shifting, particularly due to the uncertainties surrounding U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, whose trade decisions continue to ripple through international relations.
A Growing Strategic Alliance
In Brasília last November, Xi and Lula upgraded the status of their diplomatic relationship, sealing over 30 agreements across critical sectors including:
- Infrastructure
- Energy
- Agribusiness
- Technology and sustainable development
A Brazilian diplomat described the relationship as “inevitable”, citing the growing need to diversify trade ties and reduce dependence on the U.S.
“The natural path is to look for alternatives. China is one of them,” the diplomat shared, pointing to Trump’s unpredictable trade policies as a major factor.
Upcoming High-Profile Meetings
Lula will attend a major China-Latin America and Caribbean leaders’ meeting in Beijing on May 13, where he and Xi are expected to hold private discussions. Their next scheduled encounter will be in July at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a potential fourth meeting during the UN Climate Summit in Brazil this November, where around 1,000 Chinese business leaders are also expected to participate.
Eye on BRICS and EU
Brazil is also exploring stronger ties with the European Union and continuing its commitment to BRICS cooperation, with China remaining a central pillar in this strategy. This diplomatic trajectory is part of what Brazilian officials call a “risk reduction policy”, seeking more stable and strategic partnerships in an increasingly volatile global economy.
What This Means
With frequent high-level meetings and economic collaborations, China and Brazil are clearly betting on each other for long-term strategic cooperation. As geopolitical uncertainty grows, especially around the U.S., this deepening relationship could reshape trade and diplomacy in the Global South for years to come.
