Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday, the two governments said. The hour-long conversation focused on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating positions in multilateral forums, including the Group of 20 and the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies. Xi told Lula that China–Brazil ties are at their “best in history” and pledged to work with Brasília to set an example of unity and self-reliance among countries of the Global South, according to Xinhua. Brazil’s presidential office said the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and technology and to keep identifying new commercial opportunities. The call follows Washington’s decision to impose higher tariffs on Brazilian goods, a move that has prompted Lula to consult fellow BRICS leaders India, Russia and now China. Xi expressed support for Brazil’s “legitimate rights” and urged emerging nations to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, while both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based trading system. China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner since 2009, with bilateral commerce reaching a record US$157.5 billion in 2023 that generated a US$51.1 billion surplus for Brazil. Agricultural exports, notably soybeans, remain central to the relationship, and analysts say the two leaders’ pledge to broaden trade links could help shield Latin America’s biggest economy from U.S. pressure.