Brazil-China Relations in the 21st Century: The Making of a Strategic Partnership

This book explores the bilateral relationship between Brazil and China in modern history, environment, economics, and contemporary Brazilian politics, highlighting how China has become Brazil's largest trading partner and major investor, transforming the country's social structure and diplomacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate bilateral relationship between Brazil and China in modern history, environment, economics, and contemporary Brazilian politics. As China has emerged as Brazil's largest trading partner, importing commodities and exporting manufactures, and investing significantly in the country, Brazil's social structure has undergone a profound transformation. Traditional hierarchies have been disrupted, giving rise to new dynamics in the agribusiness, industry, diplomacy related to climate change in the Amazon, and, most notably, Brazil's traditional relationship with the United States. In this insightful work, one of Brazil's foremost political scientists examines the profound impact that China, the X factor of international relations, can have on a nation's politics. This book will captivate economists, scholars of geopolitics, those interested in China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Latin America politics alike.

Introduction:
The bilateral relationship between Brazil and China has been a subject of significant interest in recent years, as both countries have experienced rapid economic growth and emerged as global powers. This relationship has been characterized by a mix of cooperation and competition, with both countries seeking to leverage their respective strengths to achieve their national interests. In this book, we will explore the bilateral relationship between Brazil and China in modern history, environment, economics, and contemporary Brazilian politics.

Modern History:
The relationship between Brazil and China dates back to the 16th century, when Portuguese explorers first arrived in Brazil. However, it was not until the late 20th century that the two countries began to develop close economic and political ties. In the 1970s, Brazil experienced a period of economic crisis, and China emerged as a major investor and trading partner. Since then, the relationship has grown steadily, with China becoming Brazil's largest trading partner and a major investor in the country.

One of the key aspects of the bilateral relationship is the trade between the two countries. Brazil is a major exporter of commodities such as oil, soybeans, and coffee, while China is a major importer of these products. The trade relationship has been beneficial for both countries, as it has helped to boost their economies and create jobs. However, the relationship has also been criticized for its impact on the environment and labor rights.

Another important aspect of the bilateral relationship is the investment in infrastructure. China has been a major investor in Brazil's infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, and power plants. These investments have helped to modernize Brazil's infrastructure and improve its connectivity with the rest of the world. However, there have been concerns about the quality of the construction and the impact on local communities and the environment.

In recent years, the bilateral relationship has also been influenced by the rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) grouping. Brazil has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of China in the BRICS, and the two countries have worked together to promote economic cooperation and political stability in the region. However, there have also been tensions between Brazil and China over issues such as trade, intellectual property rights, and territorial disputes.

Environment:
The bilateral relationship between Brazil and China also extends to the environment. Brazil is a major player in the global fight against climate change, and China is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the two countries have also worked together to address environmental issues, such as the Amazon rainforest.

In 2019, Brazil and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The MoU includes commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect the Amazon rainforest. However, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of the MoU and the lack of progress on implementing its provisions.

Another environmental issue that has been a source of tension between Brazil and China is the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Amazon River. Brazil has been a vocal opponent of these dams, arguing that they will have negative impacts on the environment and local communities. China, on the other hand, has been a major investor in these dams, arguing that they will provide electricity and economic development to the region.

Economics:
The bilateral relationship between Brazil and China also has significant economic implications. Brazil is a major exporter of agricultural products, while China is a major importer of these products. The trade relationship has helped to boost Brazil's economy and create jobs. However, there have also been concerns about the impact of Chinese imports on Brazilian industries and workers.

One of the key issues in the economic relationship is the trade deficit between Brazil and China. Brazil has a trade deficit with China, which has been growing in recent years. This deficit is primarily due to the import of Chinese goods, which are often cheaper than Brazilian products. This has led to concerns about the impact on Brazilian industries and workers, who may lose their jobs to Chinese competition.

Another issue in the economic relationship is the investment in infrastructure. China has been a major investor in Brazil's infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, and power plants. These investments have helped to modernize Brazil's infrastructure and improve its connectivity with the rest of the world. However, there have been concerns about the quality of the construction and the impact on local communities and the environment.

In recent years, the bilateral relationship has also been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazil has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the pandemic, and China has been a major supplier of medical equipment and supplies to Brazil. This has helped to strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries, but it has also highlighted the vulnerability of Brazil's economy to external shocks.

Contemporary Brazilian Politics:
The bilateral relationship between Brazil and China also has significant implications for contemporary Brazilian politics. Brazil is a democratic country with a strong tradition of social and economic inequality. China, on the other hand, is a authoritarian country with a strong emphasis on state control and economic development.

The relationship between Brazil and China has been a source of tension in Brazilian politics. Some Brazilian politicians have been critical of China's human rights record and its investment in infrastructure projects that have displaced local communities. Others have been more supportive of China's investment in Brazil and its role in promoting economic development.

In recent years, the relationship between Brazil and China has also been influenced by the rise of populism in Brazil. Some Brazilian politicians have been critical of China's investment in Brazil and its role in promoting economic development, arguing that it is contributing to social and economic inequality. Others have been more supportive of China's investment in Brazil, arguing that it is helping to create jobs and promote economic growth.

In conclusion, the bilateral relationship between Brazil and China has been a complex and multifaceted relationship that has been shaped by a range of factors, including history, geography, economics, and politics. While the relationship has been characterized by cooperation and competition, it has also been influenced by a range of environmental and social issues. As China continues to play an increasingly important role in the global economy, it will be important for Brazil and China to work together to address these issues and promote sustainable development.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811903526
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022