Thread by @ACLatAm

LIVE NOW:China-Brazil relations under COVID-19 pscp.tv/w/cYmJsjFZTEVK…

“Few bilateral relationships stand out in quantitative terms as the China-Brazil relationship.” @ACLatAm Dir. @jmarczak opens the conversation, adding "Continued growth alongside tensions raise questions around longterm impacts of #COVID19 and implications for the US." #ACBrazil

Please direct your questions for our panelists here using #ACBrazil!

“This is a time for the US relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, especially the relationship with Brazil, to be flourishing,” said Julie J. Chung of @StateDept Bureau of West Hem Affairs. "We're facing twin economic and public health challenges." @WHASpeaks #ACBrazil

"This is an all-out effort, and countries across the globe and in the region are all in this together," said Julie J. Chung of @StateDept Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. "We need to pool our private sector and public sector resources to move forward." @WHASpeaks #ACBrazil

“The local governments took the right decision in choosing to protect people at this stage, and I think the federal government was efficient in approving measures to rescue companies and protect the most vulnerable,” said Ambassador Marcos Caramuru de Paiva. #ACBrazil

“Trade with China during the pandemic has been doing very well,” said Amb. Marcos Caramuru de Paiva, Brazil’s former ambassador to China, highlighting the agribusiness and livestock sectors. #ACBrazil

"The US has a material relationship with Brazil with a strong connection in the financial system... With China, we don't have this long material relationship, but there is space for engagement." -Amb. Marcos Caramuru de Paiva, emphasizing the need to pursue investment. #ACBrazil

“From a business perspective, things are going quite well,” said Brazilian energy lawyer José Roberto Martins. "Brazil has amassed a good amount of trade surplus thanks to China... There is a business community with mutual admiration between the two business styles." #ACBrazil

“For a political narrative to have political influence and lead to a diplomatic problem, both countries have to treat it as a problem,” said risk specialist @ThiagoGdeAragao. "At the moment, the will of the Chinese government is to sustain a positive relationship." #ACBrazil

“The two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere are the US and Brazil,” said Julie J. Chung of @StateDept Bureau of West Hem Affairs. "As we move beyond #COVIDー19," the US and Brazil can be strong partners, particularly in terms of value-added goods. @WHASpeaks #ACBrazil

“Chinese investments are coming mainly in the form of brownfield projects or acquisitions,” said energy lawyer José Roberto Martins, noting infrastructure, technology, life sciences, e-commerce and financial services as sectors that could draw foreign direct investment. #ACBrazil

“The political dialogue with the United States is very important,” said Amb. Marcos Caramuru de Paiva, Brazil’s former ambassador to China. "In terms of investment, we have to talk to the market itself, especially those companies with long-term presence in Brazil." #ACBrazil

“There is a concern around narratives becoming actions,” said political risk specialist @ThiagoGdeAragao. Key issues for the Chinese government include anti-China sentiment and narratives that could prove damaging for Chinese companies and non-trade opportunities. #ACBrazil

"Brazil's choice is not between the US and China,” said Julie J. Chung of @StateDept Bureau of West Hem Affairs. "We are asking countries to choose accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, openness, and democracy." @WHASpeaks #ACBrazil

“As long as our democratic institutions continue to work, I am confident investors will continue to come.” -Brazilian energy lawyer José Roberto Martins. #ACBrazil

“Brazil buying from China is a consequence of the way the global supply chain works,” said risk specialist @ThiagoGdeAragao. "If Brazil aims to start amplifying domestic production," the government must generate a regulatory environment that is conducive to investment. #ACBrazil