Brazil, under President Lula da Silva, has chosen not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will instead pursue alternative avenues for collaboration with Chinese investors. This decision makes Brazil the second BRICS nation, following India, to opt out of the multi-billion-dollar initiative. Celso Amorim, the special presidential adviser for international affairs, clarified that Brazil aims to elevate its relationship with China without formally entering a treaty. While looking to harness some aspects of the BRI framework, Brazil intends to maintain its priorities and avoid any dependency on Chinese projects.
Amorim emphasized that Brazil is not seeking an “insurance policy” through BRI participation but is focused on identifying synergies between its infrastructure projects and Chinese investment funds. This move comes amidst skepticism within Brazil regarding the tangible benefits of joining the BRI, especially in light of potential political shifts with future U.S. administrations.
The decision contradicts China’s expectations for Brazil’s inclusion to be a highlight during President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit. Brazil’s economy and foreign affairs ministries have voiced concerns over the implications of joining such a prominent initiative, which has been criticized for leading smaller nations into debt traps.
India was the first BRICS member to express reservations about the BRI, citing concerns over sovereignty and governance standards. The U.S. has also weighed in, encouraging Brazil to evaluate BRI participation carefully, which prompted criticism from China, asserting Brazil’s autonomy in decision-making.
