International relations scholar Oliver Stuenkel of Fundação Getulio Vargas said China’s pledge to defend Brazil’s sovereignty reflects a broader trend of Global South unity in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade measures.
Story Highlights
- China vows support for Brazil’s sovereignty, challenging U.S. tariffs.
- Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian exports sparks geopolitical tensions.
- China and Brazil strengthen ties through BRICS and G20 platforms.
- Potential realignment in Brazil’s foreign policy away from U.S. reliance.
China’s Commitment to Brazil’s Sovereignty
On August 12, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that China would support Brazil in defending its national sovereignty. This assurance came amidst escalating trade tensions following President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports. Margaret Myers, director of the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, said the emphasis on opposing unilateralism and protectionism underscores the strategic partnership between China and Brazil as they navigate U.S. economic pressure.
Escalating Tensions with the United States
August 8, 2025, marked the announcement from President Trump of a steep 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, a move that immediately strained U.S.-Brazil relations. In response, President Lula sought dialogue with China, culminating in a phone call on August 11. Oliver Stuenkel of Fundação Getulio Vargas noted that President Lula’s outreach to China underscores Brazil’s intent to diversify alliances and lessen its dependency on the United States.
Strategic Alliances and Multilateral Platforms
China and Brazil’s growing alliance is set against the backdrop of BRICS and G20, platforms both nations utilize to advocate for multilateralism and Global South interests. Pedro da Motta Veiga, a Brazilian trade expert and director of CINDES, said the call reinforced Brazil and China’s shared stance against U.S. protectionism within multilateral forums like BRICS and the G20. This partnership is indicative of China’s broader strategy to support developing countries facing Western pressures, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Shannon O’Neil, senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the shift could reduce U.S. influence in Latin America over time if Chinese ties continue to deepen.
China Vows to Help Brazil Defend ‘National Sovereignty’ Against Trump https://t.co/zDA8Bu1aIJ
— J. Manuel Pires (@JManuelPires7) August 13, 2025
Sources:
President Lula speaks by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping
China’s Xi and Brazil’s Lula hold phone call amid US trade rupture
China pledges support for Brazil’s sovereignty
China and Brazil affirm cooperation in face of US pressure
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