In an article published in China Daily, Plataforma CIPÓ’s executive director Maiara Folly and researcher João Cumarú highlight the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Brazil and China in the areas of climate and environment, following the visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the Asian country.
The authors remark that the selection of the song “A New Era” (Um Novo Tempo) by Brazilian musician Ivan Lins, played upon Lula’s arrival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 14th, was a fitting choice.
The visit resulted in 35 agreements, which marked the strengthening and diversification of the bilateral partnership beyond the area of investments aimed at facilitating the exports of Brazilian commodities to China. Additionally, the visit culminated in a joint declaration on combating climate change, which points to areas that may gain more political weight in the bilateral relationship, such as the fight against deforestation.
“This is significant, as while China is not the exclusive destination of Brazilian exports, it currently ranks as the largest importer of Brazilian products linked to deforestation, such as meat and soy, say Folly and Cumarú.
