Lula Embraces China: Brazil Set to Join the Belt and Road Initiative

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The BRCIS Summit: Brazil, China, and the Belt and Road Initiative

The dynamics between Brazil and China intensify with the introduction of BRCIS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), the Global South, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often referred to as the New Silk Road.
This burgeoning relationship is rooted in shared aspirations to reshape the global order to be more inclusive, reflecting not only the interests of Western powers but also those of developing nations.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has disclosed that his government is crafting a proposal to join the BRI, China’s flagship infrastructure and investment project.
Lula highlighted the potential synergies between China’s interests and Brazil’s significant infrastructure gap, stating that Brazil’s participation would hinge on achieving tangible outcomes.

The Shifting Stance of Brazil

This marks the first time the Brazilian government has openly considered joining the BRI, despite China’s previous overtures.
Historically, Brazil has been hesitant, fearing that collaboration could jeopardize its relations with Western partners and signal an automatic alignment with China.

Currently, Brazil stands as one of only three South American nations—alongside Colombia and Paraguay—not participating in the initiative, prompting discussions about the future of this relationship.
Notably, Liu Jianchao, minister in the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, expressed a strong desire for Brazil’s involvement but emphasized that the decision rests solely with the Brazilian government.

A Pivotal Year for Brazil-China Relations

2024 could be a pivotal year for Brazil’s BRI ambitions as both nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
With President Xi Jinping expected to attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November, Lula has announced plans to participate in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, where significant discussions on trade are anticipated.

This growing engagement is fueled by practicalities; China currently imports about one-third of all Brazilian exports, predominantly soy and beef.
This agricultural trade relationship has fostered a robust pro-China lobbying base in Brazil, particularly among agro-business groups keen on maintaining positive ties with their foremost trading partner.

Given these developments, Brazil’s potential entry into the BRI might not only strengthen bilateral relations but also appease various interest groups advocating for closer ties with China.

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