Lula hosts Xi in Brasília as Brazil and China strengthen ties
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted China's President Xi Jinping for a state visit in Brasília, marking a significant strengthening of ties. The two leaders signed 37 agreements covering trade, tourism, agriculture, and more. This visit follows a period of strained relations under former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula aims to repair these ties, emphasizing collaboration between Brazil and China on global issues. Trade between Brazil and China reached $136.3 billion from January to October 2024. China has encouraged Brazil to join its Belt and Road Initiative, but Brazil is cautious about potential impacts on its relations with the U.S. and Europe.