Brazilian engagement to Asia and the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017: Less politics, more trade and investments

Abstract

The paper aims to appreciate Brazilian position in relation to Asia and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), based on a literature review, journalistic articles on Brazil-Asia relations and official data of the Brazilian economy. Since Dilma Rousseff until Michel Temer's government, Brazil has been facing a troubled political and economic scenario, which negatively impacts on its diplomacy. Although Brazil reaffirmed its commitment with global strategic partnership with China in terms of trade flows, the lack of Brazilian participation on issues of global political nature directly impacts on the way in which Brasilia moved its attention to the BRI and the Asian affairs. The ambitious proportions and objectives of the BRI summed to the rise of a nationalist economic policy of the United States indicate a deepening of several movements that have been altering the international balance of power, which can extend opportunities for Brazil, by means of a cohesive long-term policy for Asia and in a multifaceted way beyond trade.