Following meetings at the G20 and Xi Jinping’s visit to Brasília, the third episode of the Brazil de Fato international politics podcast, The Foreigner, discussed the close commercial ties between Brazil and China, exploring the context of the global hegemonic transition and the 37 new agreements between the two countries.
Barbara Motta, coordinator of the Brazilian Foreign Policy Observatory (OPEB), emphasized the importance of Brazil maintaining diplomatic autonomy to avoid economic dependence on China. This stance could be seen in Brazil’s decision not to join the new Silk Road initiative, potentially serving as a strategic move in future negotiations with China.
Another point raised during the episode was Brazil’s regional integration efforts and its role as a regional leader in South America. Motta highlighted the need for Brazil to have the capacity to reject projects that are not beneficial for the country or the region, emphasizing the importance of technological transfer agreements for Brazil’s development.
In the commercial realm, the recent agreements between Brazil and China, including the import of Chinese machinery and the possibility of setting up manufacturing plants in Brazil, are expected to boost industrialization and increase the value-added exports from Brazil. This transfer of technology not only benefits Brazil in its external relations but also in reshaping its agricultural production and engaging with national and international economic structures.