Brasilia, April 12, 2025 – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to travel to China next month for his third meeting with President Xi Jinping since taking office in 2023, with a fourth meeting already scheduled for July, the Brazilian government announced. The frequent high-level engagements highlight the growing bond between Brazil and its largest trading partner, as both nations navigate a global landscape marked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies.
The May 13 meeting will take place in Beijing, where Lula will also attend a summit of Chinese officials and leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean. Diplomats anticipate that Lula and Xi will hold private talks during the visit, building on the momentum of their upgraded diplomatic relations. Last November in Brasilia, the two leaders signed over three dozen agreements to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, and other key sectors. Their next encounter is slated for the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro in July, with Xi’s attendance confirmed. Additionally, Xi is expected to visit Brazil in November for the United Nations climate summit, accompanied by around 1,000 Chinese business leaders.
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A diplomat in Brasilia, speaking anonymously, described the strengthening Brazil-China relationship as “inevitable” given the risks posed by U.S. trade volatility. “The natural path is to look for alternatives. China is one of them,” the diplomat said, emphasizing Brazil’s broader strategy to diversify its economic partnerships. This includes pursuing a regional trade deal with the European Union and enhancing cooperation within the BRICS group of major developing nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. “Today, the relationship with the United States has a high level of risk, so it’s a natural inclination to look for alternatives,” the diplomat added, calling the approach a “risk reduction policy.”
The deepening ties with China reflect Brazil’s strategic pivot as it seeks to secure economic stability and growth amid global uncertainties, while leveraging its position as a key player in the Global South.
Key Points:
Brazil’s Lula to Meet China’s Xi in May, Signaling Deepening Ties Amid U.S. Trade Uncertainty
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 13, 2025, marking their third meeting since Lula took office in 2023.
- A fourth meeting is planned for July 2025 at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, with Xi’s attendance confirmed.
- Xi is also expected to visit Brazil in November 2025 for the United Nations climate summit, joined by approximately 1,000 Chinese business leaders.
- The frequent meetings underscore Brazil’s growing relationship with China, its largest trading partner, amid uncertainties from U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies.
- A Brazilian diplomat described the shift toward China as “inevitable” and part of a “risk reduction policy” due to high risks in U.S. relations.
- Brazil is also pursuing a trade deal with the European Union and increasing cooperation within the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
- In November 2024, Lula and Xi upgraded diplomatic relations and signed over 36 agreements to collaborate on infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, and other sectors.
