At the China-Brazil Forum for Exchange and Mutual Learning on November 30, Yu Hongjun, former Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a senior researcher with the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, argued China and Brazil can work together to reenergize economic globalization. Edited excerpts from his speech follow:  

China and Brazil are major developing countries with the greatest economic dynamism and potential for growth as well as a significant influence on regional and international affairs. The two emerging economies play a unique role in the restructuring of the world economic order and political landscape, the reform of the global governance system, and the progress of humanity at large.  

Their shared interests, coupled with the broader picture of global development, make it imperative for China and Brazil to continue exploring the untapped potential for joint action, open up new frontiers and make their mutually beneficial ties a role model for South-South cooperation. This productive relationship is poised to meet both nations’ aspirations, drive South-South as well as cross-regional cooperation, and inject impetus to a new round of economic globalization. 

As they eye a closer strategic partnership, it is of prime importance that China and Brazil continue to enhance mutual political trust. Without political trust, results-oriented cooperation is unlikely, whereas the latter can contribute to the former. China and Brazil are in different hemispheres. They have different historical traditions, cultural backgrounds, social systems, development paths, state governance systems and social governance models. These differences, however, should not hinder their exchange and dialogue or hold back progress in collaborative programs.  

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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