Brazil’s Lula to Strengthen Ties with Putin and Xi Amid Trade War Concerns
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil will meet Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in May amid rising global trade war fears due to U.S. tariffs. Lula will participate in events marking Russia’s Victory Day and the CELAC forum in China. China is Brazil’s top trading partner, a critical aspect amidst recent U.S. trade policy concerns.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Moscow and China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing in May 2024. This meeting comes amid concerns regarding a potential global trade war stemming from sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lula’s planned attendance at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 marks his inaugural official visit to Moscow, followed by a trip to Beijing for the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum on May 12.
This marks Lula’s first official trip to Moscow and his second to China during his third, nonconsecutive presidential term. Previously, during his earlier administrations from 2003 to 2010, he had visited Russia twice and China three times, highlighting the depth of Brazil’s diplomatic ties with these nations. Notably, Brazil, Russia, and China are founding members of BRICS, a group intended to counterbalance the influence of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, with Brazil holding the presidency of BRICS until 2025. The next summit is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7.
China remains Brazil’s most significant trading partner, accounting for 28% of the nation’s exports and supplying 24.2% of its imports in 2024. In comparison, the United States represents Brazil’s second-largest trading partner, providing 12% of imports and purchasing 15.5% of exports. Brazilian government data indicated a slight trade deficit of $283.8 million with the U.S. in 2024.
Lula expressed his concerns regarding the U.S. government’s approach to international trade, specifically criticizing Trump’s tariff policies intended to reduce foreign goods. “I am very concerned about the behavior of the American government,” Lula commented during a recent press event in Tokyo, highlighting the detrimental effects on free trade and multilateralism. Additionally, Lula has scheduled upcoming trips to Honduras for the CELAC summit in April and an official visit to France in June, indicating a robust agenda in fostering international relations.
In conclusion, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s forthcoming meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping underscore Brazil’s strategic partnerships amid global trade tensions. As Brazil navigates these diplomatic waters, the country’s fundamental reliance on trade with China presents both opportunities and challenges. Lula’s advocacy for multilateralism reflects his intent to offset the impacts of U.S. tariffs, indicating a pivotal moment for Brazil in the evolving global trade landscape.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
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