China-Brazil ties contribute to world peace

The cooperation between China and Brazil is important for improving global governance and tackling challenges in a turbulent world. China's policy of openness and win-win results have also made important contributions to world peace and development.

These remarks were made at the International Conference on Global Governance and China-Brazil Cooperation held on Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Over a hundred experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as multilateralism and global governance.

Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that in today's complex international landscape, China and Brazil, as key members of the Global South, share similar views on major issues affecting world peace and development. Their cooperation helps to create new opportunities for emerging economies and add momentum to global governance reform, he said.

On platforms like the United Nations, Group of 20 and BRICS, the two countries work closely to oppose unilateralism and bloc confrontations, uphold international fairness and justice, and push for a more equitable global governance system, said Gao, adding the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November is crucial for enhancing multilateral cooperation and improving global governance in these new circumstances.

Aloizio Mercadante, president of the Brazilian Development Bank, echoed Gao's view, stating that the Global South is facing both opportunities and challenges under the current geopolitical dynamics. In this context, he emphasized that strengthening strategic cooperation between China and Brazil is crucial for effectively addressing global challenges. He also highlighted that China's policy of openness supports global peace and development.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Over the years, the two countries have made significant strides in political, economic and cultural cooperation, said Tian Min, Chinese Consul-General in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2023, China was Brazil's largest trading partner, while Brazil ranked ninth for China, with bilateral trade reaching $181.53 billion, a 6.1 percent increase from 2022.

The relationship between China and Brazil has evolved beyond simple bilateral ties, taking on strategic and global importance, said Tian. As they move forward, China and Brazil have immense opportunities for cooperation. By collaborating on global governance, climate change, and sustainable development, the two nations will play a positive role in building a community with a shared future for mankind, she noted.

Esther Dweck, Brazilian minister of management and innovation in public services, said this year marks a pivotal moment for China-Brazil relations.

Both countries should enhance dialogue between policymakers and think tanks to strengthen cooperation and further explore collaboration opportunities in economic reform, new energy, digitalization, and environmental protection, she said. Brazil would like to learn from China's poverty alleviation experience to achieve more inclusive development, she added.

Luiz Ildefonso Simoes Lopes, vice-president of the board of trustees at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, an independent think tank, noted that the center has been closely tracking China's reforms and development. He emphasized that China's unique modernization path provides valuable lessons for other developing nations.

Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves, president of the Brazil-China Business Council, said that in recent years, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and anti-globalization trends, trade and investment between China and Brazil have grown rapidly. This growth underscores the strong complementarity and resilience of bilateral trade and economies.

The conference was jointly hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Brazilian Center for International Relations, T20 Brasil and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.