Xi Defends Brazil from Foreign Interference, Who Is Being Alluded To?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed support for Brazil in maintaining its sovereignty and independence and rejecting external interference. The statement was made by Xi in a telephone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday (27/7/2026).
“China supports Brazil in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence and opposes external interference,” Xi said, as reported by the Xinhua news agency on Monday.
Xi assessed that Brazil holds an important international standing and influence. According to him, Brazil’s ability to maintain its sovereignty not only relates to the country’s national interests but also contributes to regional and global peace and stability.
However, the official Chinese report did not mention any specific country, government, or action referred to as external interference. Beijing also did not publicly link Xi’s statement to the latest disputes between Brazil and the United States.
Xi’s statement came as Brazil faces increased diplomatic, trade, and political pressure ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 2026.
Reuters reported on Saturday (25/7/2026) that Brazil had rejected visa applications for two US State Department officials who planned to visit ahead of the election. Brazilian officials suspected the visit could be used to question the electronic voting system and influence domestic political dynamics.
The two officials were US Assistant Secretary of State Riley M Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary Samuel Samson from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour. The US government denied the interference allegations, stating the visit’s agenda related to democratic values and electoral integrity.
The tension arises as President Lula prepares to face competition from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Flávio is known to have close political ties with conservative groups in the US and receives support from Argentine President Javier Milei.
Lula Criticises American Tariffs
Brazil’s relationship with Washington is also overshadowed by trade disputes. In an opinion article published by The Washington Post and cited by Reuters on Sunday (26/7/2026), Lula called new US tariffs on Brazilian goods a misguided and unfair measure.
According to Lula, Washington imposed additional tariffs ranging from 12.5 per cent to 37.5 per cent on several Brazilian products. The policy was enacted after the US Supreme Court previously struck down a 50 per cent tariff that had been imposed on Brazilian goods.