In 2014, China and Brazil signed a cooperation agreement on the Belo Monte UHV transmission project. The megaproject extends over a large area of more than 2,000 kilometers through tropical forests and rivers.
This project to create an “electric highway” connecting the north and south of Brazil not only provided industrial hubs with adequate power supply, but also solved the problem of electricity shortage faced by more than 22 million Brazilians, or around 10% of the country’s population.
So far, 180 terawatt hours of hydropower have been transmitted through the project, reducing reliance on standard coal by 64 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by 170 million tonnes. The project constitutes a major achievement in the framework of cooperation between China and Brazil for the construction of new infrastructure.
“China is actively involved in the energy transition underway in Brazil,” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told China Media Group.
During a meeting with Lula on Wednesday in Brasilia, Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated that China was ready to collaborate with Brazil within the framework of an “exceptional partnership” whose objective will be mutual success, and continuing efforts to build a common future for humanity.
The two countries have strengthened their ties, for a Sino-Brazilian community whose destinies will be linked by the desire to achieve a fairer world and a more sustainable planet. Both agreed to align the New Silk Road initiative with Brazil’s development strategies.
“An exceptional partnership”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Over the past fifty years, the two countries have made significant progress in economic and trade cooperation, strengthening their bilateral ties in both sectors.
China has been Brazil’s main trading partner for 15 consecutive years and is a major source of foreign investment. Brazil, meanwhile, has long been China’s main trading partner in Latin America. According to statistics, China’s annual imports from Brazil over the past three years amounted to more than $100 billion.
Beyond traditional trade in manufactured goods and goods, Chinese companies have actively participated in renewable energy supply projects in Brazil, including hydroelectric, solar and wind power. This involvement in the development of the green economy has helped diversify and advance investment cooperation between China and Brazil.
Cultural exchanges between China and Brazil have also flourished, strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the city of Recife, Brazil, has designated 2024 as the “Year of China” to foster an environment conducive to cultural relations.
Xi Jinping encouraged the two countries to continue and deepen collaboration on development strategies, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as aerospace, agricultural science and technology and clean energy. He also added that China is willing to continue cooperative efforts with Brazil to reduce poverty.
Lula said greater synergy of development strategies between Brazil and China would greatly contribute to Brazil’s reindustrialization and set a true example of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit to developing countries.
A fairer world, a more sustainable planet
In an ever-changing world, China and Brazil coordinate closely and systematically on critical issues through multilateral events such as the UN meetings, G20 and BRICS+. Elements of convergence that give China and Brazil the opportunity to amplify the voices of developing countries and protect the interests of emerging markets include global governance and climate change.
In May, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point joint agreement on the political settlement of the Ukraine conflict, which was welcomed by the international community.
At the same time, the two countries, along with other countries in the Global South, launched the “Friends for Peace” group in the context of the conflict, to bring together more voices for peace.
When it comes to poverty reduction, both countries are determined to address the challenges that arise, and willing to share their solutions with other countries.
Xi Jinping praised the efforts of China and Brazil which, more than ever, are positioning themselves as powers in favor of peace. He also urged the two countries to demonstrate firmness to safeguard peace and justice across the world, and to work together to address the global challenges that lie ahead for the future and the destiny of humanity.
Furthermore, he called for strengthening cooperation in areas such as ecological transition, sustainable development, response to climate change and governance in terms of artificial intelligence.
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**To what extent does the Sino-Brazilian partnership challenge the existing global order dominated by Western powers, and how might this partnership reshape international relations in the coming years?**
## World Today News Interview: “Sino-Brazilian Partnership: Towards a Fairer World and a Sustainable Future?”
**Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the blossoming partnership between China and Brazil, marked by economic exchange, collaborative infrastructure projects, and shared commitment to global peace and sustainability. We’re joined by two distinguished guests:**
* **Dr. Mariana Silva:** Professor of International Relations at the University of São Paulo, specializing in China-Latin America relations.
* **Professor Li Wei:** Director of the Center for Brazilian Studies at Tsinghua University, a leading expert on Chinese foreign policy and investment in Latin America.
_**Opening**_
**Moderator:** Thank you both for joining us.
Dr. Silva, let’s start with the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Brazil. This marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. What are some of the key takeaways from this high-level meeting, particularly concerning the “exceptional partnership” President Xi spoke of?
**Dr. Silva:** (Provides her initial analysis, highlighting key points from the meeting and the significance of the “exceptional partnership” terminology)
**Moderator:** Professor Li, would you agree with Dr. Silva’s assessment? How does China view this partnership within the context of its broader global strategy?
**Professor Li:** (Expands on the Chinese perspective on the partnership, discussing its goals and its alignment with broader Chinese foreign policy)
_**Economic Collaboration: Beyond Trade**_
**Moderator:** The article mentions that China has been Brazil’s top trading partner for fifteen consecutive years. However, it also highlights China’s involvement in renewable energy projects in Brazil, such as the Belo Monte dam.
Professor Li, how does China view this diversification of investment, moving beyond traditional commodity trade towards actively participating in Brazil’s green economy?
**Professor Li:** (Discusses China’s rationale behind investing in renewable energy in Brazil, considering economic, environmental, and strategic factors)
**Moderator:** Dr. Silva, what are some of the potential benefits and challenges associated with this increased Chinese involvement in Brazil’s energy sector, particularly concerning sustainability and local community impact?
**Dr. Silva:** (Offers a nuanced perspective on the benefits and challenges, highlighting potential areas of concern and opportunities for sustainable development)
_**Global Leadership: “A Fairer World, a More Sustainable Planet”**_
**Moderator:** President Lula da Silva emphasized the role of Brazil and China in promoting a “fairer world and a more sustainable planet.” Both countries have been vocal advocates for peace in the Ukraine conflict and have championed the voices of developing nations in global platforms like the UN.
Dr. Silva, how do you see the Sino-Brazilian partnership contributing to these shared goals of global justice and sustainability?
**Dr. Silva:** (Expands on the potential role of the partnership in shaping global governance and addressing global challenges)
**Moderator:** Professor Li, do you anticipate this partnership leading to more concrete collaborations on issues like climate change and development aid?
**Professor Li:** (Discusses the potential for increased collaboration and China’s willingness to partner with Brazil on global challenges)
_**Looking Ahead: The Future of the Partnership**_
**Moderator:** Both China and Brazil seem poised for continued growth and increasing influence on the world stage. What future trends do you anticipate for this partnership in the next decade?
**Dr. Silva:**
(Offers her predictions for the future trajectory of the partnership, considering potential challenges and opportunities)
**Professor Li:**
(Provides his own perspective on the future, highlighting potential areas of collaboration and the overall impact on the global landscape)
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. This has been a fascinating discussion on the increasingly important partnership between China and Brazil.
