The US government’s decision to label Brazilian criminal factions CV (“Comando Vermelho”) and PCC (“Primeiro Comando da Capital”) as terrorist organizations took effect on Friday (Jun. 5), a move that could have economic and geopolitical consequences for the Latin American country. The measure had been announced on May 28.

The Brazilian government criticized the decision, arguing that it leaves room for Washington to interfere in internal affairs under the pretext of combating terrorism. According to a statement from the executive, the fight against crime should occur through international cooperation and with respect for the sovereignty of states over their territories.

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The government and experts also argue that the measure could harm the country’s economy, with repercussions for tourism, investment, foreign trade, and the financial system.

Shield of the Americas

The Trump administration has designated Mexican cartels and criminal organizations in countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia as terrorist groups.

In March this year, the White House formed a coalition called the Shield of the Americas, bringing together governments ideologically aligned with Trump to theoretically combat drug trafficking, but also to counter the economic influence of geopolitical adversaries such as China and Russia.

The fight against drug trafficking was the justification used to kidnap Venezuela’s then-President Nicolás Maduro as well as to pressure Mexico – a move denounced by Mexico’s current President Claudia Sheinbaum as foreign interference in internal affairs.

Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism launched in Shanghai, China, the Mandarin Chinese version of the Guide to Tourism Investments in Brazil, a publication that compiles a portfolio of projects worth approximately USD 4.5 billion.

The guide highlights opportunities for investors and business groups to invest across all regions of the country – particularly in the hospitality sector, tourism infrastructure, parks, cruises, and nature-based tourism.

“The strategy targets one of the most important tourism markets, as China ranks among the world’s largest sources of tourists and the number of Chinese travelers visiting Brazil has increased considerably,” Tourism Minister Gustavo Feliciano noted.

The launch of the publication in Mandarin is part of the initiatives for the 2026 Brazil–China Cultural Year, which celebrates five decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“Speaking our partner’s language is a step that brings us closer together. Tourism can serve as a bridge to expand business, foster cultural exchange, and attract long-term investments,” the minister added.

On Tuesday (Jun. 2), China issued a statement supporting Brazil’s sovereignty, independence, and autonomy. According to the Chinese State Council, the country is willing to expand the cooperation it has maintained with Brazil and other Latin American countries

The Chinese statement in support of Brazil was made in Beijing during the China–Brazil Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue.

The ties between the two countries were reaffirmed amid threats from the US to impose a 25 percent tariff on Brazilian products not considered strategic for the US market.

Cooperation and sovereignty

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China has always been a “reliable friend of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean” and is “ready to work with countries in the region, including Brazil, to further deepen and expand overall cooperation between China and Latin America.”

He added that his country “supports Brazil in defending its national sovereignty, maintaining its independence and autonomy, and pursuing greater development.”

Joint efforts

Minister Wang called for Brazil and China to move forward in building a China–Brazil community in order to “jointly address various external challenges and generate greater synergy for the modernization processes of both countries and for the unity and strengthening of the countries of the Global South.”

He went on to say that both sides should advance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education, tourism, sports, subnational regions, youth, and the media.

Wang reiterated China’s position on strengthening communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations and BRICS. He also advocated for the implementation of global initiatives to promote the development of a “fairer and more equitable global governance system.”

Foreign minister

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is in Beijing attending the assembly. He stated that Brazil shares China’s interest in expanding practical cooperation between the two countries.

He also said Brazil will continue to adhere to the “One China” principle. The term refers to China’s goal of reclaiming Taiwan, an island it considers a “rebel province.”
 

The Chinese government announced on Tuesday (Jun. 2) that it recognizes all of Brazil as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone.

The announcement was made during Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira’s visit to China and comes after more than 20 years of negotiations.

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The decision opens up new opportunities for Brazilian beef and pork exports to the Chinese market, including products such as offal and bone-in meat.

Brazil’s agribusiness exports to China exceeded USD 50 billion in 2025.

During the presidential mission to the People’s Republic of China in May 2025, the two countries signed a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.” The document strengthened bilateral health dialogue and helped advance measures of interest to Brazil’s agricultural sector.

* Based on information from the Ministry of Agriculture

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will participate in Beijing this Monday (Jun. 1) and Tuesday (2) in the 5th Global Strategic Dialogue between Brazil and China – a mechanism that facilitates the exchange of global, regional, and bilateral agendas.

Minister Vieira is expected to meet with Chinese vice-President Han Zheng and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. The Brazilian foreign minister will also visit the National Museum of China, which is hosting events celebrating the Brazil–China Cultural Year.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, China is Brazil’s largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries totaled USD 170.9 billion in 2025, with a surplus of USD 29 billion for Brazil, driven by exports of agricultural products.