Xi Calls on Brazil to Defend Global South Interests

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hinese President Xi Jinping urged Brazil to work closely with China to safeguard the shared interests of the Global South and uphold the central role of the United Nations, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

Speaking during a telephone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Xi said China and Brazil are “constructive forces” in promoting world peace and improving global governance, according to Xinhua.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation between major developing nations at a time of shifting global power dynamics.

Xi reiterated China’s long-standing position on strengthening ties with Latin American and Caribbean countries, saying Beijing is willing to remain “a good friend and partner” to the region.

He added that China aims to advance the building of a China–Latin America community with a shared future.

Belt and Road cooperation highlighted

Xi pointed to a 2024 strategic partnership between China and Brazil that aligns Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brazil’s development plans, including agriculture, infrastructure, and the energy transition.

The partnership, Xi said, reflects solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries.

At a Group of 20 meeting in 2024, Xi unveiled BRI-related measures alongside science and technology initiatives designed to support Global South development, according to Xinhua.

The conversation comes amid heightened concern in Latin America following the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on narcotics charges, an action that has fueled regional fears of foreign intervention.

The United Nations has criticized the U.S. operation, raising questions about its legality under international law.

(Source: Reuters)