In a recent interview with Guangming Online, Henrique Nóbrega, president of the Brazil-China Friendship Association, reflected on the enduring and dynamic relationship between Brazil and China as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. He expressed a deep sense of honor regarding the warm response from Chinese President Xi Jinping and underscored the significant role of mutual respect in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Nóbrega noted that the positive and steady growth of this relationship over the years was largely due to China’s continued efforts, particularly in areas like economic collaboration and mutual support. As he put it, “I feel deeply honored by President Xi’s reply to our letter. It represents a recognition of our efforts, and it is very important to us.” He also observed that since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the partnership has continuously evolved, marked by growing exchanges in trade, culture, and diplomacy.

China's Role in Global Development

Reflecting on the broader context of the relationship, Nóbrega highlighted how China’s economic rise has not only benefitted its own people but has had a significant positive impact on developing nations, including Brazil. One key example he pointed to was the collaborative effort between China, Sinovac, and Brazil’s Butantan Institute to produce the CoronaVac vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that this cooperation demonstrated the vital role that strong international relationships play in responding to global crises: "China’s exceptional development over the past decades has extended a helping hand to other developing countries. For instance, the joint production of the CoronaVac vaccine showed the importance of such a relationship for people’s health and humanity."

The Belt and Road Initiative: Shared Growth

Nóbrega also highlighted China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a clear indication of the country’s vision for a shared future, built on mutual benefit. He explained that the BRI goes beyond benefiting only China, focusing on creating long-term, sustainable partnerships with developing nations like Brazil. “The BRI is a mutual benefit. It’s about building partnerships that help all involved. It ensures developing countries receive investments, particularly in infrastructure, which is critical for their development,” Nóbrega said. He believes that Brazil stands to gain significantly from this initiative, particularly in terms of infrastructure improvements, which have long been a priority for the country.

Technological Collaboration and Innovation

Looking forward, Nóbrega is optimistic about the potential for further collaboration between Brazil and China, especially in technology. He acknowledged that China is already at the forefront of global technological innovation, with cutting-edge advancements in space exploration and patenting. “China is at the technological frontier today, with rockets and satellites launched into space. Chinese universities lead the world in patents and innovations, surpassing even the most established American, European, and Israeli institutions,” he said. For Nóbrega, this presents a unique opportunity for Brazil to learn from China’s technological expertise and to collaborate in areas like research and development, space exploration, and tech innovation.

Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Connections

Beyond economic and technological cooperation, Nóbrega emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in furthering Brazil-China relations. He discussed the active role of the Brazil-China Friendship Association in promoting people-to-people connections, noting that such exchanges have helped foster deeper understanding and respect between the two nations. “Our contribution is not only in carrying out projects or receiving delegations. It’s about connecting people,” he said. He also reflected on how many Brazilian officials, after visiting China, were surprised by the country’s remarkable development, returning with a newfound appreciation for China’s progress.

A Bright Future for Brazil-China Relations

As the two countries look to the future, Nóbrega expressed confidence that the next 50 years will be even more promising. He believes that Brazil-China cooperation will expand into new areas, particularly in tourism, education, and cultural exchanges, while continuing to strengthen trade and technology ties. “The next 50 years will be excellent. Our cooperation will continue to grow, and we will not only gain from this relationship in terms of trade and technology but also in culture and human exchange,” he said. In closing, Nóbrega shared a message of hope, quoting a Brazilian poet: "We don’t make friends; we recognize them." For him, this sentiment encapsulates the deep bond of mutual respect that exists between the two nations and reflects a vision of continued collaboration and peace through diplomacy.