Wed Nov 20 21:10:33 UTC 2024: ## Xi and Lula Call for Ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, Strengthening Brazil-China Ties

**Brasília, Brazil** – During a state visit to Brazil, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva jointly called for ceasefires in both the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. The leaders, meeting in Brasilia, emphasized a shared commitment to peace and diplomacy, highlighting their proposed joint roadmap for peace in Ukraine, a plan endorsed by Russia but rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies.

Xi’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza mirrors a similar appeal made at the recent G20 summit. This comes after a UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire was vetoed by the United States. The Chinese president’s emphasis on peace, alongside his prominent role at recent G20 and APEC summits, contrasts sharply with the perceived diminished influence of outgoing US President Joe Biden. Analysts suggest Xi is aiming to fill a potential leadership vacuum in the face of incoming US President Donald Trump’s anticipated rejection of multilateralism.

The visit showcased the growing strength of Brazil-China relations, with the signing of 35 cooperation agreements covering agriculture, trade, technology, and environmental protection. Both leaders hailed the relationship as the strongest in history, with Lula expressing anticipation for Xi’s return to Brazil next July for the BRICS summit. While there was no announcement regarding Brazil’s potential accession to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, both leaders discussed synergies between the initiative and Brazil’s own infrastructure development plans. The agreements also included a deal opening the Brazilian market to the Chinese satellite company, SpaceSail, a competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The strengthening Brazil-China partnership, with bilateral trade exceeding $160 billion last year, underscores a shift in global dynamics and a potential lessening of US influence in the region. Lula’s administration continues to navigate a delicate balance between its relationships with both China and the United States.

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