Brazil and China forge closer trade links

They are building very strong economic and political connections with a lot of these leaders. I don't think that is in our interests

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton













The meeting between the Presidents of Brazil and China in Beijing on Tuesday brings together two powerful forces among the world's developing nations.

Against the background of the economic crisis, and strengthening bonds between the two countries, Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Hu Jintao will have much to discuss.

China has been a "strategic partner" of Brazil for some years, but the high expectations surrounding this relationship have not always been fulfilled.

At a difficult time for economies everywhere, however, the last few months have brought some encouraging news for South America's biggest economy.

Despite fears about the impact of the crisis, Brazilian exports to China have grown 64.7% in the first four months of 2009 when compared with the same period last year.

During March and April, for the first time, China became Brazil's biggest trading partner, displacing the United States.

[link to news.bbc.co.uk]