China supports Brazil in opposing ‘interference’: Xi to Lula
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Brazilian President Lula da Silva against 'external interference' during a recent call. The discussion also touched on accelerating trade negotiations between China and the Mercosur bloc amid ongoing tariff pressures from the United States.
Why it matters
This diplomatic alignment underscores the shifting geopolitical alliances in Latin America as Brazil seeks to diversify its trade partners in response to U.S. economic policies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Brazilian counterpart on Monday (July 27, 2026) that he supports the country in "opposing external interference", Beijing's state media said, reporting a call between the leaders.
The conversation between Xi and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva comes less than three months before a tense election in Brazil pitting the incumbent against right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.
"China highly values Brazil's international status and important influence," Mr. Xi told Mr. Lula, according to state news agency Xinhua .
Beijing "supports Brazil in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence, opposing external interference, and contributing to maintaining regional and world peace and stability", Mr. Xi added.
According to a statement from the Brazilian presidency, Mr. Lula and Mr. Xi also "agreed on the importance of speeding up negotiations for a Mercosur-China agreement", referring to a regional trading bloc.
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