Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visits Japan to enhance trade ties amidst US tariffs. Discussions with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will focus on biofuels and reaffirming free trade principles. Lula aims to boost exports while addressing Brazil’s reliance on China and apologizing for past injustices towards Japanese immigrants.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has commenced a four-day state visit to Japan, accompanied by a substantial business delegation of 100 members. This visit emerges as Brazil seeks to enhance its trade connections amid existing US tariffs. Discussions between President Lula and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will encompass the collaborative development of biofuels, with an eye on the forthcoming COP30 UN climate summit in Brazil.

The leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to principles of free trade as a response to US protectionist policies. President Lula remarked, “Everyone who was talking about free trade is now practising protectionism,” underscoring his stance against the current global trade climate. Brazil, as the second-largest steel exporter to the United States, is particularly impacted by these tariffs.

On the agenda are plans to solidify ongoing dialogues between the two nations, possibly including regular leaders’ visits and discussions on security issues. Additionally, there might be a focus on upholding a rules-based international order, often referenced in relation to Chinese foreign policy.

A ceremonial welcome for President Lula is scheduled at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, followed by a state banquet. This marks Lula’s third presidential visit to Japan. His objectives include boosting Brazilian exports across various sectors, particularly beef and aircraft, culminating in attendance at an economic forum to explore new trade opportunities.

Currently, China stands as Brazil’s primary trading partner, while Japan ranks as the 11th. The increasing commercial reliance on China poses risks for Brazil, as noted by expert Karina Calandrin. Despite intentions to diversify trade, Brazil’s structural dependence on China complicates this goal in the short term, according to Roberto Goulart, a professor of international relations.

Japan perceives strengthening ties with Brazil as advantageous, particularly in countering potential partnerships Brazil may forge with China and Russia, both part of the BRICS bloc. Furthermore, this visit holds cultural significance, as Brazil hosts the largest Japanese diaspora globally. In a historical context, Lula’s government recently issued an apology for the past mistreatment of Japanese immigrants during World War II, acknowledging previous injustices and emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.

In conclusion, President Lula’s state visit to Japan aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties amid escalating US protectionism. The discussions will focus on trade, biofuels, and a reaffirmation of free trade principles. Brazil’s trade relationship with Japan is significant in light of its reliance on China and presents an opportunity for closer economic cooperation. The visit also symbolizes cultural reconciliation between the two nations.

Original Source: www.kgwn.tv

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