Brazil joins India as second BRICS nation to reject China’s BRI

In a significant setback for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Brazil has chosen not to participate. This decision makes Brazil the second country in the BRICS bloc, after India, to reject Beijing’s multi-billion-dollar project. President Lula da Silva’s administration confirmed this stance through Celso Amorim, a special adviser for international affairs, on Monday.

Amorim stated that Brazil aims to “take the relationship with China to a new level” without signing any formal accession contract. He emphasized, “We are not entering into a treaty.” Brazil does not view Chinese infrastructure and trade projects as a safety net but seeks alternative ways to collaborate with Chinese investors.

The Brazilian government plans to leverage elements of the Belt and Road framework to create synergies between its infrastructure projects and the investment funds linked to the initiative. Amorim explained that while China labels it the BRI, Brazil will prioritize its own defined projects over formally joining the initiative.

This decision comes as a contradiction to China’s hopes of making Brazil’s participation a focal point during President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to Brasilia on November 20. Reports indicate that Brazilian officials from the economy and foreign affairs ministries have recently expressed their opposition to joining the BRI.

The prevailing sentiment in Brazil is that engaging in China’s flagship infrastructure project would not yield tangible short-term benefits. Concerns also include the potential for increased dependency on Chinese funding and influence. Brazilian leaders fear that aligning too closely with China’s ambitious initiative could compromise their sovereignty and long-term strategic interests.

Instead, Brazil seeks to establish a more balanced relationship with China, focusing on mutual benefit without formal commitments. By doing so, the Brazilian government aims to maintain flexibility in its foreign policy while fostering beneficial economic partnerships.

This decision may reshape Brazil’s approach to international collaboration, particularly with Chinese investors. It signals a shift towards more independent and self-determined economic strategies that prioritize Brazil’s national interests. As the country navigates its complex relationship with China, it will explore avenues for collaboration that align with its priorities, demonstrating a commitment to sovereignty and strategic autonomy.