Brazil presidential debate zeroes in on Chinese investment and US tariffs

Brazilian presidential candidates Ronaldo Caiado, Augusto Cury, and Renan Santos participated in a televised debate, focusing on the country's relationship with the United States and China. This exchange comes at a time when American tariffs, a visa dispute over election monitoring, and warming ties between Lula's government and China have shaped the election cycle. Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro, both leading in polls, declined to participate, while Zema withdrew from the debate, citing the event's loss of purpose.

The debate took place in Sao Paulo, with only the three candidates present. Foreign policy typically remains a secondary topic in Brazilian presidential debates, overshadowed by security, jobs, and inflation. In this case, the absence of the frontrunners allowed candidates to discuss issues usually relegated to the sidelines.

In July, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on most Brazilian goods, resulting from a Section 301 case that ran for a year. The dispute covered digital payment rules, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation. Brazil has also denied visas to US State Department officials who planned to question electoral authorities, and Lula has threatened to withhold agreement for Trump's nominee as ambassador until the vote concluded.

China, on the other hand, has sought to strengthen its ties with Brazil. President Xi Jinping called Lula in July to express opposition to external interference, and the two governments agreed to expand cooperation on artificial intelligence, satellites, critical mineral processing, and fertiliser trade.

During the debate, Augusto Cury argued that the tariffs represented American fiscal pressure rather than a dispute with Brazil. He proposed fostering equally strong relations with China while pushing Brazil away from its role as a raw material supplier. Caiado attributed friction with the Trump administration to Lula's electoral strategies, suggesting that the foreign ministry had become a mouthpiece for the governing Workers' Party.

He promised to restore its negotiating ability, emphasizing Brazil's leverage in energy, grain, and fresh water.

Renan Santos, a 42-year-old co-founder of the Free Brazil Movement, garnered significant attention despite not having held elected office. He cited the sovereignty debate between Lula and Flavio, calling it a choice between choosing China or the United States. Santos advocated for a balance that prevents Brazil from being reduced to a mere purchaser of finished products while exporting raw materials.