Brazil and China’s Diplomatic Connections Amid U.S. Peace Initiative

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had a phone call with China’s Xi Jinping on Friday, likely aimed at bolstering relations between the two nations. This conversation happened simultaneously with both countries receiving invitations to join President Donald Trump’s proposed “peace commission.”

In a recent interview with O Globo, Lula’s chief foreign policy advisor, Celso Amorim, dismissed the peace commission as “disorganized” and overly ambitious. He noted that while the initiative primarily focuses on rebuilding Gaza post-conflict, it could serve as a useful framework for addressing global conflicts, though he seemed skeptical of its effectiveness. China was also invited to participate in this commission but has not formally responded, even as it criticizes Trump through state-operated media.

During their call, Xi and Lula didn’t mention the peace commission. Instead, the focus was on how China’s thorough developmental strategies could benefit Brazil. Xi pointed out that amid today’s global challenges, both China and Brazil represent stable forces in the Global South, working to foster peace and enhance international governance.

He encouraged Lula to “stand on the right side of history,” suggesting support for China’s broader political objectives. This remark could be interpreted as a subtle jab at the peace commission’s intentions.

Following the commission’s announcement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on the need for proactive measures, criticizing the UN Security Council for its inefficacy in addressing significant global issues like war and genocide. Rubio remarked, “Often, people make speeches, but little actual progress occurs. This group is geared towards action.”

He envisions the peace commission facilitating not just progress in Gaza but also serving as a model for resolving other international conflicts that appear intractable.

Currently, 25 nations, including three BRICS members—Egypt, Indonesia, and the UAE—have accepted invitations to join this council. Interestingly, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, despite being offered participation, have not yet responded.

Amorim expressed concerns, stating that the peace commission could extend beyond the Gaza conflict, which can complicate discussions surrounding its purpose. He indicated that various issues could arise from the proposed framework, expressing uncertainty about its effectiveness in improving global peace and security.

Moreover, he criticized the White House for presenting a “take-it-or-leave-it” proposal regarding the peace commission, rather than engaging in more constructive discussions about its structure.

The Brazilian government worries that this commission might undermine the Security Council, where Russia and China often use their veto power to halt meaningful intervention in global disputes—a sentiment echoed in Chinese media outlets like Global Times.

There, it was argued that allowing major powers to dictate terms could destabilize post-war international order, shifting power dynamics and reducing international law to a mere agreement among a few powerful nations.