Lula hosts Xi Jinping for state visit 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 leaders signed 37 agreements covering trade, tourism, agriculture, and more. China has been Brazil's largest export market since 2009, and trade between the two nations reached $136.3 billion from January to October 2024. Lula aims to repair relations with China after a period of tension under former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula's government is exploring partnerships with China, including the Belt and Road Initiative, while balancing relations with the U.S. and Europe. Experts note that Brazil's engagement with China may increase as Donald Trump potentially returns to the White House.