Explaining Brazil #304: 50 years of Brazil-China relations

Author

Gustavo Ribeiro
August 14, 2024 • Reading Time: 3 minutes

This week, Brazil and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Over the past five decades, these two nations have forged a complex and dynamic partnership, evolving from cautious diplomatic ties to becoming key economic and political allies on the global stage. From trade and technology to cultural exchanges and geopolitical strategies, Brazil-China relations have profoundly impacted both countries and the wider world.

In this episode, we’ll explore the history, challenges, and future of this bilateral relationship. We’ll hear from experts, diplomats, and insiders who have witnessed its highs and lows.

So, whether you’re tuning in from Brazil, China, or anywhere else on the globe, stay with us as we unpack 50 years of Brazil-China relations — what they mean for the past, the present, and the road ahead.

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This episode used music from Uppbeat and Envato. License codes: Investigation Documentary by puremusic (8STNPKJ), Aspire by Pryces (B6TUQLVYOWVKY02S), Thriller Tension by Music Service (Z4T8HB7CJS), and Army Men by LightBeats (4KT8DZYSC9). 

In this episode:

  • Mauricio Santoro is a political scientist and a fellow at the Brazilian Navy’s Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

Background reading:

  • Brazil-China relations were threatened by the rise of Jair Bolsonaro, as the former far-right president adopted a Sinophobic agenda. Listen to episode #57 on the ambiguities in the bilateral relationship.

  • The Chinese economy seems to be decelerating. Meanwhile, its population has shrunk for the first time since the Great Leap Forward. For Brazil, which depends on sales to China, that doesn’t bode well in the long term, as we discussed in episode #228.

  • The country’s vice president talked up Brazil-China relations and said he believes Chinese players can help Brazil boost its infrastructure.

  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s tourism capital, has joined the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), becoming the 18th South American city to be part of the Beijing-led organization. Daniela Maia, Rio’s municipal tourism secretary, says the move will allow the city to develop strategies specifically for a Chinese audience.

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