Chinese President Xi Jinping told Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that China supports Brazil in opposing external interference, according to Beijing's state media. The call between the leaders comes ahead of a tense election in Brazil, where Lula faces right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. Xi emphasized China's high regard for Brazil's international status and pledged support for its sovereignty and independence. The leaders also discussed speeding up negotiations for a Mercosur-China agreement. Amid tariff pressure from the United States, Lula expressed a commitment to diversifying trade partners.
The conversation, which lasted over an hour, focused on maintaining regional and world peace and stability. Lula has criticized Washington's tariff actions as an attempt to exert political influence during the election year. The call took place as Brazil denied visas for two U.S. officials seeking to meet with election authorities ahead of the October vote.
Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has made unfounded claims about the security of Brazil's voting system, echoing false claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump about American elections. The Brazilian presidency's statement on the call did not mention whether the issue of 'external interference' was raised, though it was highlighted by Xinhua.