Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke on Monday, emphasizing stronger cooperation between their countries. Xi called for China and Brazil to set an example of unity for the Global South and pledged support for Brazil’s sovereignty, Al Jazeera reported.

The leaders agreed to deepen ties in areas like health, energy, and the digital economy, and stressed the importance of multilateralism through groups like BRICS and the G20. Lula highlighted China’s key role in the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

Their discussion comes amid growing trade tensions with the US, which recently imposed tariffs on both nations. China remains Brazil’s largest trading partner, with trade reaching $188bn last year, according to Al Jazeera.