Brazil’s Lula to Meet with Putin and Xi Amid Looming Trade War Concerns
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will hold meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May amidst concerns over a global trade war. Lula is set to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations and the CELAC forum in China. These visits mark significant diplomatic efforts as Brazil seeks to bolster its economic ties with key partners amid U.S. trade tensions and tariffs.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in May. This announcement comes amid rising global trade war concerns following U.S. tariffs. Lula’s visit to Moscow will coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, followed by participation in the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum on May 12.
This upcoming trip marks Lula’s first official visit to Moscow and his second trip to China during his current presidency, his third nonconsecutive term. He previously visited Russia twice and China three times during his earlier administration between 2003 and 2010. Brazil, Russia, and China share a strong economic relationship as founding members of BRICS, the bloc established in 2009 to counter the influence of the G7 nations. Brazil will host the next BRICS summit on July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro.
In a recent press conference, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that the CELAC forum aims to enhance cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean. China is Brazil’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28% of Brazil’s exports in 2024 and supplying 24.2% of its imports. The United States follows as Brazil’s second-largest trading partner, providing 12% of imports and purchasing 15.5% of exports. Brazil recorded a slight trade deficit with the U.S. of $283.8 million in 2024.
President Lula expressed concerns regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs on free trade and multilateralism during a recent visit to Japan. He stated, “I am very concerned about the behavior of the American government… because free trade is being harmed and I am concerned because multilateralism is weakened.” As President Trump plans to unveil tariffs he calls “Liberation Day,” Lula has also scheduled an upcoming visit to Honduras for the CELAC summit in April and an official trip to France in June.
In conclusion, President Lula’s meetings with Putin and Xi signify Brazil’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Russia and China amid global trade tensions. The upcoming discussions at the CELAC forum and prominent international engagements reflect Brazil’s active role in fostering multilateral relationships. Lula’s concerns regarding U.S. trade policies underscore the continuing challenges facing global free trade and multilateralism in the current geopolitical climate.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
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