The week begins with the visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) to China, on his fourth international trip since the beginning of his third term.
Lula should meet with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, this Tuesday (28). Brazil and China are expected to sign ten memorandums of understanding in the areas of the environment, tourism, agriculture, science and technology.
In addition, Lula and Xi must deal with sensitive issues, such as Russia, Ukraine and the conflict that is developing in Eastern Europe. A CNN consulted experts on the subject. Check it out below:
In the evaluation of Regiane Nitsch Bressan professor of International Relations at Unifesp, the prosperous relationship between Brazil and Russia – cultivated through the Brics, for example – prevents a more assertive condemnation by the Brazilian government of the war in Ukraine.
“The position adopted by Itamaraty is quite discreet. Although Brazil defends democracy and the autonomy of peoples, we have this tradition of non-intervention. In this case, it’s as if Brazil didn’t want to take sides in the war,” he explains.
Furthermore, Regiane points out that there is no “significant trade” between Brazil and Ukraine. However, she points out that this does not oblige Brazil to condone the Russian invasion.
“It is not because Brazil develops a more prosperous relationship [com a Rússia]that he supports the war,” he adds.
divergent positions
Second Barbara Motta , professor of International Relations at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), China’s relationship with the combat in Ukraine, in turn, differs from that assumed by Brazil. She cites three factors that help to understand the scenario:
“Relations between Brazil and Russia and China and Russia are different, even though the three countries are part of the BRICS. The impacts of the war on China and Brazil are also different”. Added to all this is the fact that “the relations of each of the two countries with the United States are also different”.
According to the specialist, the end of the conflict in Ukraine appears to be, in economic terms, more advantageous for Brazil than for China.
“The rapprochement between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin was already intense and with the war it increased. The conflict placed some elements that brought Russia closer to the Chinese sphere of influence. So, China can serve as a partner so that the economic situation in Russia does not become as catastrophic as it could be”, he assesses.
In February, Beijing called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in a document released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China also called for an end to unilateral sanctions against Moscow and stressed its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons in Eastern Europe.
For Letícia Simões professor at Unilasalle and member of the Center for Studies on Contemporary China and Asia (CEA-UFF), during Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow last week, Putin understands that Beijing’s requests can be discussed.
“Thinking about an idea of cooperation and a strategic relationship between Russia and China, Moscow saw the possibility of Beijing as a mediator in the conflict in a positive way”, he analyzes.
Letícia considers that the Chinese leader’s trip to Russia signals an “openness for China to position itself as a mediator in this conflict”.
“If we think of the Ukraine war as a proxy war, we have a West-East conflict. At the same time that Xi Jinping is visiting Putin, the Japanese Prime Minister is going to Kiev, making it very clear that the war is not just about Ukraine”, he adds.
Regarding Lula’s visit to China, Letícia indicates that the trip highlights the important role of both countries in relation to emerging and developed countries.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
