As world leaders gather at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, two significant meetings are set to take place, focusing on enhancing international cooperation and bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping’s Visit to Brazil
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Brazil on 17 November 2024 to participate in the Summit, where he aims to discuss furthering relations with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The leaders will explore strategies for development and address pressing international and regional issues.
- The two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
- China remains Brazil’s largest export market, with trade increasing by 9.9% in the first ten months of 2024.
- Xi expressed a strong connection to Brazil, having visited four times over 30 years.
Keir Starmer’s Pragmatic Approach
Similarly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with President Xi on the summit’s sidelines. This will be Starmer’s first interaction with Xi since taking office in July.
- Starmer emphasised the importance of pragmatic engagement on shared priorities, such as international stability and climate action.
- He stressed the necessity of honest discussions regarding disagreements between Britain and China.
- This marks the first in-person meeting between a British prime minister and Xi since 2018.
A Path Forward
The meetings highlight a desire to strengthen ties, especially in trade and economic cooperation. As both leaders navigate their encounters, the focus will remain on balancing collaboration with candid discussions on areas of contention.
China’s significant role as a major global economic power makes these dialogues crucial. Both nations are keen to navigate their complex relationship while fostering mutual benefits.