China and Brazil are marking the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a series of celebratory events and initiatives that underscore their strong partnership and friendship.
Since the beginning of the year, both nations have been actively commemorating this milestone by releasing a special logo featuring the number 50 alongside the colors of their national flags. Numerous seminars and conferences have been held, highlighting the depth and breadth of their cooperation. One significant milestone is the opening of the Brazilian consulate general in Chengdu, southwestern China, further cementing their bilateral ties.
Established on August 15, 1974, China and Brazil have progressively deepened their relationship over the decades. In 1993, they formed a strategic partnership, with Brazil becoming the first developing country to do so. By 2012, Brazil elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and in April 2023, during a state visit to China by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, both countries issued a joint statement aimed at further enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a meeting with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in Beijing this June, emphasized the importance of using the 50th anniversary as a catalyst to strengthen exchanges and cooperation. This includes collaboration between legislative bodies, political parties, local governments, and youth in areas such as culture, education, and tourism, aiming to bolster support for China-Brazil cooperation.
The cooperation between China and Brazil spans a myriad of fields, blending traditional areas with emerging sectors like the green and digital economies, as well as innovation. A notable area of collaboration is space technology, where the two countries have partnered for 36 years. Clezio Marcos de Nardin, director of Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), highlighted their joint development of six satellites under the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program, which has significantly contributed to environmental monitoring and disaster relief efforts in Brazil.
Agriculture is another cornerstone of their partnership, with Brazil being the top source of China's agricultural imports since 2018. In 2023 alone, Brazil exported over $58 billion in agricultural products to China, accounting for nearly a quarter of China's total agricultural imports. This trade relationship underscores Brazil's role as China's largest trading partner and export market for 15 consecutive years.
Beyond bilateral ties, China and Brazil's partnership holds exemplary significance for promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries, contributing to global peace and stability. Vice President Alckmin emphasized their joint efforts in safeguarding multilateralism and supporting free trade, advocating for a more just and united world.
In addressing global challenges, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus in May on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, garnering positive responses from over 110 countries. This collective stance reflects their commitment to a balanced and reasonable global power structure, highlighting the pivotal role of the Global South in shaping international relations.
As they celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations, China and Brazil continue to build on their strong foundation, striving for greater synergy between initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil's development strategies. This enduring partnership exemplifies the harmonious and progressive relationship between two of the world's leading developing nations.
Reference(s):
China-Brazil ties at 50: Good friends and partners, Global South rise
cgtn.com
