Beijing's sister-city links get Rio boost

Technical expertise

"Leveraging CNOOC's technical expertise, we will work closely with Brazilian businesses and society, injecting new vitality into China-Brazil cooperation."

Since CNOOC entered Brazil in 2013, the Beijing-headquartered company has invested nearly $8 billion in the country, establishing close economic ties with Brazil. After a decade of growth, the company has become the fifth-largest oil producer in Brazil. It has implemented a range of localization initiatives to create growth opportunities and career paths for local employees, Huang said.

"China and Brazil enjoy strong commercial ties, backed by the complementarity of their economies," said Alana Camoca, a professor of political science and international relations at the Rio de Janeiro State University.

One of the key sectors benefiting from growing bilateral collaboration is mining, with Chinese demand for iron ore driving important exports from Brazil. Vale, a multinational corporation headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, has been at the forefront of this trade.

Vale's first iron ore shipment to China was delivered in 1973, "one year before diplomatic relations between Brazil and China were established", said Xie Xue, president of Vale China.

Since 2014, China has accounted for more than half of Vale's iron ore exports, solidifying its role as the company's primary export destination and as a cornerstone of Vale's growth and sustainability efforts, Xie said.

She noted the Sol do Cerrado solar energy park in Brazil's Minas Gerais State as an example of this collaboration, where photovoltaic modules and spare parts supplied by the Chinese solar panel manufacturer JinkoSolar helped Vale achieve total renewable electricity consumption in Brazil in 2023, two years ahead of schedule.

Since 2009, China has been Brazil's largest trading partner and a key source of foreign investment, and Brazil has emerged as China's largest trading partner in Latin America.

This year's 50th anniversary has been marked by vibrant celebrations in both countries, including light shows on Aug 15 at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall in Beijing, illuminated with the flags of China and Brazil, and Rio's Lapa Arches, glowing in red.

Brazil was the guest of honor at the Beijing International Film Festival in April, where four Brazilian films showcasing the country's cultural diversity were featured. The Chinese Film Festival in Brazil opened in Rio on Nov 4, with nine Chinese films screened.

"Beijing-Rio city diplomacy plays a vital role in strengthening the ties between China and Brazil," Camoca said. "Increased interactions between cities facilitate the proliferation of trade opportunities and investment prospects in both Brazil and China."

It is hoped that both cities and countries will continue to build stronger connections, she said.

"Rio de Janeiro is one of Beijing's most important sister cities in Latin America. Since their partnership began almost four decades ago, the two cities have worked together in areas such as trade, culture, and the Olympics," said Chen Yang, director of the Pacific Rim Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality.

"Standing on the new milestone of China-Brazil 50 years of relations, we will continue to strengthen the friendship between the two cities, fostering greater fruits in their cooperation," Chen said.

Libania, the jiu-jitsu coach, said he plans to continue living and teaching in Beijing, and embracing the city's dynamism. He sees it as a place of opportunities and personal growth, both for himself and his students.

"I want to keep my name here and build my team," Libania added.