Brazil's Strategic Visit to China Amid U.S.-China Tensions

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led a delegation of 200 businessmen to Beijing, marking a significant move as the U.S.-China tariff war began to ease. The visit underscored growing competition between China and Western powers for influence in South America.
During the trip, Brazil and China inked 20 cooperation agreements worth $13.9 billion, spanning energy, technology, agriculture, and railroads. Notably, China’s Envision Energy pledged $1 billion to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Brazil, while Meituan, a major Chinese e-commerce platform, invested $1 billion to launch its food delivery app in the region.
Lula also attended the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping vowed to boost imports from Latin America and encourage Chinese investments in the region. Lula emphasized Latin America’s need for self-reliance, stating, “Our fate depends solely on whether we want to be great or continue to be small.”
Prior to the visit, China lifted a soybean import ban from Brazil, which now supplies over 70% of China’s soybeans. Experts view this as part of China’s strategy to secure supply chains and build influence in South America.
Analysts highlight that Lula’s visit reflects Brazil’s role as a key player in the global South, navigating between China and the U.S. to maximize its interests. As U.S.-China competition intensifies, Brazil’s strategic partnerships are reshaping the global order.

Published: 5/17/2025