Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke for over an hour by phone on Sunday evening (Jul. 26). In addition to discussing the integration of national development projects, the leaders also addressed the formalization of a free trade zone involving the two countries.

The Brazilian government stated that the presidents “agreed on the importance of accelerating negotiations for a Mercosur–China agreement that includes the necessary levels of flexibility.”

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Expanding cooperation in strategic and high-tech areas – such as artificial intelligence, satellites, the processing of critical minerals, and the fertilizer trade – was a focus of the shared objectives outlined by the two presidents.

In addition to noting the positive trade balance between the two nations, Lula and Xi Jinping spoke highly of the results of ongoing bilateral initiatives, such as the visa waiver for short-term visits – in effect in both countries since May of this year – and the programs designed to deepen mutual understanding between Brazilians and the Chinese, promoted through the celebrations of the 2026 Brazil–China Cultural Year.

Global conflicts and their impacts on people’s lives, as well as global food and energy security, were highlighted by the two leaders as key challenges on the global agenda.

“The presidents expressed deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza,” the statement reads.

Lula and Xi Jinping also agreed that restrictions on free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have harmful effects on the global economy.

The leaders highlighted the role of the Group of Friends of Peace – a diplomatic initiative led by the two countries at the UN, aimed at seeking a peaceful resolution to conflicts through dialogue among countries of the Global South – for ending the war in Ukraine.

Although they criticized the United Nations Security Council’s inability to respond adequately to conflicts, the presidents reiterated their commitment to defending multilateralism and their intention to act in a coordinated manner in international forums.