Lula and Xi Jinping Reinforce Cooperation to Bolster Global South and Multilateralism
Brazilian President Lula and Chinese President Xi Jinping discuss enhancing cooperation to support the Global South and reinforcing the United Nations' role.
- • Lula and Xi held a phone conversation on January 22, 2026, focusing on multilateralism and Global South interests.
- • Xi emphasized protecting the common interests of the Global South and strengthening the UN's central role.
- • Both leaders aim to align China's Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s development plans for 2024.
- • Xi plans to propose G20 measures supporting the Global South, including science and technology collaborations.
Key details
On January 22, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant phone conversation highlighting their shared commitment to protecting the interests of the Global South and strengthening multilateral institutions such as the United Nations (UN).
During the call, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of both Brazil and China working together as constructive forces to maintain world peace and advance global governance. He underscored the responsibility of the two countries amid global instability and geopolitical tensions, calling for a joint effort in safeguarding common interests of developing nations in the Global South.
Xi also reaffirmed China's long-standing dedication to being a trusted friend and partner to Latin America and the Caribbean. He pointed to an ambitious strategic partnership set for 2024 that aims to synchronize China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brazil’s national development plans focused on agriculture, infrastructure, and energy transition projects. This partnership exemplifies a spirit of solidarity and cooperation, showcasing the potential for deeper ties between China and Brazil that address shared economic and technological goals.
Additionally, Xi mentioned upcoming proposals he plans to present at the 2026 G20 meeting, which would involve measures to further support the Global South through initiatives linked to the BRI, as well as in science and technology collaboration.
As of the reports’ publication, the Brazilian federal government had not issued an official statement regarding the conversation. However, the dialogue signals an important bilateral reaffirmation of commitments to multilateralism and enhanced strategic cooperation between two pivotal emerging powers.
This phone call marks a renewed focus on strengthening Brazil-China relations while advancing a collective agenda centered on more equitable global governance and sustainable development in the Global South.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
