by Xinhua writer Zhao Yan

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Brazil aims to work with China to strengthen the voice of the Global South in defending multilateralism and free trade, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said.

The two countries can leverage platforms such as the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, BRICS, and the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in 2025 (COP30) to jointly promote these issues, he said in a recent interview with Chinese media outlets in Brazil ahead of his ongoing visit to China.

"Brazil sees China as a political partner, an economic partner and a very strong strategic partner in this turbulent world of the 21st century," said the Brazilian leader.

The visit to China is an extension of the good relations that Brazil has established with China in recent years, he said, adding that the bilateral relationship is improving and gaining greater strategic significance.

"We do not want the supremacy of one country over others. We do not want the supremacy of one currency over others. What we want is for trade to be fair and balanced, and for everyone to be able to sell and buy equitably," noted Lula.

While Brazil strives to defend peace, multilateralism, and a fair and equitable trade system, there is no doubt that, together with China and other countries of the Global South, they can exert greater influence on a global scale, he said.

"I believe that the Global South is the political novelty of the 21st century. I am very proud of us for getting to where we are. And it is possible to grow even more, because there are many people who want to join the Global South," Lula said.

On trade, he noted that Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, has a significant volume of trade with China. However, the rapid growth of trade relations between the two suggests that there is greater potential for trade exchange and investment.

He mentioned that a group of Brazilian business leaders would travel with him to China to forge new partnerships with Chinese entrepreneurs, particularly in areas like infrastructure, mining and energy.

He also wants to see more cooperation in science and technology, particularly in space. "We have a satellite agreement with China, and we want to improve the China-Brazil Earth Resource Satellite-5 and -6 (projects)."

Brazil wants to discuss AI with China "to guarantee that artificial intelligence is used to serve all of humanity and not just a handful of countries," he said.

Brazil is set to host COP30 later this year and hopes to establish a strong partnership with China, he said, noting that China has made notable progress in combating climate change, and that China can share its own experience in transforming its energy needs at the climate conference.

Lula, who attends the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum during this trip, said the event is a great opportunity for Latin American countries to establish a strategic relationship with China.

He emphasized the importance of meetings between business leaders, stating that "politicians know how to open doors, but those who know how to do business are the business leaders."

Last November, the two countries elevated their ties to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

Brazil aims to work hard to achieve this goal together with China, said Lula. ■