In recent years, China has strengthened its economic and political cooperation with Latin American countries, challenging the longstanding geopolitical and economic dominance of the United States in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Brazilian President Lula on the afternoon of the 13th, witnessing the signing of 20 cooperation documents in fields such as development strategy alignment, technology, agriculture, digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media.
According to The Wall Street Journal, China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) plans to build its largest overseas export terminal at Brazil's Port of Santos, to manage the transportation of corn, sugar, and soybeans, ensuring alternative sources of supply for U.S. soybeans and other food products.
Experts: Latin American countries hope to reduce reliance on Washington
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized on the 13th that Latin America is the common home for Latin American people, not the backyard of any country. The New York Times quoted experts as saying that many Latin American countries, including Brazil, wish to gain support from China to balance the influence of the United States and reduce dependency on Washington, aside from viewing China as an economic partner.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized on the 13th that Latin America is the common home for Latin American people, not the backyard of any country. The New York Times quoted experts as saying that many Latin American countries, including Brazil, wish to gain support from China to balance the influence of the United States and reduce dependency on Washington, aside from viewing China as an economic partner.
During the meeting with Lula, Xi emphasized that China and Brazil should maintain strategic mutual trust, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, and expand cooperation in new areas like energy transition, aerospace, digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Both countries should uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, and maintain international economic and trade order, clearly opposing unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying behavior.
Lula stated that China has always sincerely supported and helped Latin American countries, including Brazil, achieve economic and social development. Under the current circumstances, firmly defending multilateralism is crucial. Protectionism and excessive tariffs cannot bring about development and prosperity but only cause chaos. China's firm stance in addressing global challenges provides strength and confidence to countries. Brazil is willing to work with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South and maintain international fairness and justice.
Meituan and Mixue to Enter Brazilian Market
Lula arrived in China last Saturday and secured a large number of orders, including Meituan entering the Brazilian takeout market under the brand "Keeta," creating 100,000 indirect jobs locally. Mixue Bingcheng plans to invest 3.2 billion reais (2.419 billion ringgit) to build factories and expand stores in Brazil, expected to create 25,000 jobs by 2030. Great Wall Motors, GAC Group, and others also plan to invest in Brazil.
Lula arrived in China last Saturday and secured a large number of orders, including Meituan entering the Brazilian takeout market under the brand "Keeta," creating 100,000 indirect jobs locally. Mixue Bingcheng plans to invest 3.2 billion reais (2.419 billion ringgit) to build factories and expand stores in Brazil, expected to create 25,000 jobs by 2030. Great Wall Motors, GAC Group, and others also plan to invest in Brazil.