“China is an essential partner,” recalled Lula da Silva (here in February, when receiving credentials from the Chinese ambassador to Brazil). SERGIO LIMA/AFP
The Brazilian president’s ambitious visit to Beijing consecrates the influence of the People’s Republic in Latin America.
Rio de Janeiro
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva flew to China on Tuesday to “strengthen relationships” with its first trading partner, a three-day visit amid the struggle for influence between Washington and Beijing in Latin America. Originally scheduled for the end of March but canceled due to pneumonia from the 77-year-old Brazilian president, the trip was quickly rescheduled after four years of cold under Jair Bolsonaro.
After a stopover in Shanghai, where he was due to arrive on Wednesday, the highlight of his visit is his meeting and dinner on Friday in Beijing with Xi Jinping, undisputed master of the communist country. He will also meet with other senior dignitaries, such as Premier Li Qiang and People’s Congress Speaker Zhao Leji.
Read alsoTensions around Taiwan: the situation in maps
By rolling out the red carpet for his Brazilian host, Xi aims to bolster China’s geopolitical and economic influence in Latin America, once the preserve of the United States. “China sees Brazil as a regional leader in…
This article is for subscribers only. You have 80% left to discover.
Want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
Already subscribed? Login