Beijing Accuses Eduardo Bolsonaro of Threatening Brazil-China Relationship

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Chinese Embassy in Brazil is protesting to Itamaraty [Brazil’s Foreign Office], accusing Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of  Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, of making “vile” remarks and endangering the relationship between the two countries.

The new crisis occurred after the federal deputy criticized Beijing on November 23rd, calling China’s Communist Party the “enemy of freedom” and hinted at invasions and violations of private information of citizens and companies.

For Beijing, Bolsonaro “accused the Communist Party of China and Chinese companies of cyber-espionage and supported the U.S. initiative to create an international alliance that discriminates against China’s 5G technology.”

“Such unfounded statements are incompatible with the position of chairman of the Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Relations Committee,” attacks Beijing. “They follow the precepts of the U.S. in abusing the concept of national security to slander China and curtail the activities of Chinese companies,” it notes.

The Chinese further confirm that the statement was not only made on social media, and that diplomatic channels were employed to lodge a formal complaint against the action.

“This is totally unacceptable to the Chinese side and we are deeply displeased and vehemently repudiating this behavior. The Chinese side has already formally handled the Brazilian side through diplomatic channels,” it explained.

“Throughout 46 years of diplomatic relations, the Sino-Brazilian partnership has developed rapidly thanks to the efforts of both parties. China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years and is also one of the countries with the most investments in Brazil,” he insisted.

“In contrast with Brazilian public opinion, Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro and some prominent individuals have produced a string of vile claims that, as well as disrespecting the facts of Sino-Brazilian cooperation and the mutual benefit it provides, undermine the friendly atmosphere between the two countries and damage Brazil’s image,” it said.

“We believe that Brazilian society, in general, does not endorse or accept this kind of position,” wrote Beijing.

“We urge these individuals to stop following the rhetoric of the North American far-right, stop misinformation and slandering of China and Sino-Brazilian friendship, and refrain from straying too far along the wrong path, given the interests of both peoples and the general trend of bilateral partnership,” it warned.

“Otherwise, they will bear the negative consequences and carry the historical responsibility of disturbing the normality of the China-Brazil partnership,” Beijing adds.

Counterclaims against the U.S.

According to the text, it is the Americans who are responsible for acts that could be harmful to Brazilian interests. “The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to operate based on science, facts and laws while opposing any kind of speculation and unjustified slander against Chinese companies. The U.S. has an indecent history of data security,” he warns.

“Certain U.S. politicians interfere with the construction of the 5G network in other countries and fabricate lies about alleged Chinese cyber-espionage, in addition to blocking Huawei in order to achieve an exclusive digital hegemony,” Beijing accuses.

“Behaviors like these pose a real threat to global data security,” they caution.

In the text, the Chinese recalled the weight of the Asian country for the Brazilian economy. “Between January and October, Brazilian exports to China totaled US$ 58.459 billion, accounting for 33.5% of Brazil’s total exports,” they wrote. “Cooperation in telecommunications and other sectors was built on solid foundations and has made great strides,” they stated.

On social media, Beijing also points out how it has assisted Brazil in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, “ensuring the supply of materials, providing humanitarian assistance and sharing experiences”.

“The facts repeatedly demonstrate that China is a friend and partner of Brazil and that bilateral cooperation drives progress in both countries and brings benefits to both peoples,” it said.

“A stable and healthy bilateral partnership is in tune with the fundamental and long-term interests of both parties, and for this very reason has the support of broad sectors of Brazilian society,” it argues.

“We must continue to expand our partnership in several areas, always based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. As a strong advocate of international cyber security, China has launched the Global Data Security Initiative in order to build a digital environment of openness, equity, impartiality and non-discrimination,” the text stated.