China-basher or bridge builder? What can we expect when Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visits Beijing?
- Economic interests may force populist leader to adopt a more pragmatic tone when he visits his country’s largest trading partner
- Beijing’s best-case scenario would see Brazil signing up the Belt and Road Initiative, while Bolsonaro will look to protect future agriculture sales
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will begin his first visit to China with observers waiting to see how far the once-outspoken critic of Beijing will be willing to build bridges with his country’s biggest trading partner.
The right-wing populist frequently attacked China on the campaign trail, accusing it of “buying up the country” and angered Beijing by visiting Taiwan in February last year.
But he has since changed tack, saying he welcomed Chinese investment and trade just before taking office at the start of the year.
However, tensions linger and a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan in June was also called off after the Brazilian leader claimed his delegation had been kept waiting.
Bolsonaro’s three day trip will include a welcoming ceremony and dinner with Xi, followed by talks between senior officials on Friday with agriculture and infrastructure deals believed to be on the agenda.