Flavio Bolsonaro says he would work with China and US as Brazil’s president

Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, indicated during a recent event in Brasilia that he would collaborate with both the United States and China if elected as Brazil's president. Speaking at an event, he stated, "I'm not going to pick sides. My side will be the Brazilian people, whether we're dealing with China, Israel, the Middle East, Argentina, or India. That's how I'm going to govern."

Bolsonaro secured approximately 52% of the votes in the first round of the presidential election, compared to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 48%, according to a Datafolha poll released on Thursday evening. The poll showed a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. In the upcoming run-off on October 25, Bolsonaro is projected to receive 52% of valid votes, compared to Lula's 48%, with a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.

The surge in support for Bolsonaro comes as he seeks to align Brazil closer with Western nations, particularly the United States. This shift aligns with a broader trend in Latin America, where conservative leaders are moving towards closer ties with Washington. Bolsonaro, who visited the White House in May, promised to work closely with the US administration on trade and crime issues during a potential presidency.

However, as president, Bolsonaro will inherit an economy heavily reliant on China. China is Brazil's largest trading partner and the primary buyer of agricultural exports, a crucial sector for the South American giant. Moreover, numerous Chinese companies have invested in Brazil's energy, electric vehicle, and manufacturing sectors, with a steady influx of Chinese-produced goods into the country.

Lula has been the chief architect of Brazil's evolving relationship with China, deepening ties while also diversifying trade relations. His administration has maintained a complex relationship with the Trump administration, alternating between cooperation and friction over issues such as tariffs on Brazilian goods and political tensions.

Datafolha surveyed 2,520 people between October 6 and 7 to produce this poll, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points and a 95% confidence level, registered with Brazil's electoral court.