China signals partnership with Embraer amid sanctions from the country against Boeing

Chinese spokesman statements indicate interest in strengthening relations with Embraer; tension with USA grows after criticism of Chinese acting in Latin America

The government of China avoided confirming on Wednesday, 16, if airlines in the country suspended the purchase of Boeing aircraft, as was released the day before Bloomberg.

In a news conference, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, did not respond directly on the subject and chose to highlight the business relationship with Brazil, with emphasis on the aeronautical sector.

“I would like to point out that Brazil is an important aviation country, and China attributes great importance to practical cooperation with Brazil in various fields, including aviation,” Lin said in response to questions about business with the American manufacturer.

The spokesman also said that “China is pleased to see that Chinese airlines carry out relevant cooperation with Brazil, according to market principles.” The statement was interpreted as a sign of support for Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer that seeks to sign a contract for the sale of about 20 jets to a Chinese regional airline.

Negotiations between Embraer and the Chinese market have been taking place for approximately two years, with the support of the federal government.

Brazilian authorities, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and government ministers, participated in diplomatic agendas in Asia to boost conversations. Despite the mobilization, the contract has not yet been signed.

Bloomberg’s report published on Tuesday, 15, pointed out that the Chinese government had suspended the purchase of aircraft from Boeing, a US company that disputes with Embraer from the regional jet market.

The publication generated reactions in the financial market and made Embraer’s shares record significant in the São Paulo Stock Exchange, given the perspective of possible redirection of Chinese demand for the Brazilian manufacturer.

During the same news conference, Lin Jian also commented on recent statements from the United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who, visiting Argentina, qualified China’s investments in emerging countries as “voracious.”

“The US employee made these observations in Latin America,” said the Chinese spokesman. “Allow me to emphasize that China undertakes practical cooperation with Latin and Caribbean countries based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, which greatly boosted socioeconomic development in countries and was well received and praised by them.”

In criticizing Washington’s position, Lin referred to the history of the US presence in the region. “The longtime intimidation and looting of the US have left Latin America with open veins, and the US is not in a position to point out the finger for cooperation between China and countries.”

The China Embassy in Buenos Aires also responded to the US Secretary’s statements. In an official note, he classified the comments as a “malicious slander.”

The episode is inserted in a context of disputes between China and the United States by geopolitical and economic influence in Latin America.

Amid the intensification of bilateral tensions, Brazil has played a strategic role, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, energy and civil aviation. The approach between Brasilia and Beijing has intensified in recent years, with commercial agreements, direct investments and mutual diplomatic missions.

In 2023, China was Brazil’s main commercial partner, responding for about one third of Brazilian exports.

The aeronautical sector is considered one of the central axes for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, with Embraer occupying a prominent position in the Brazilian government’s strategy of diversifying markets and expanding the international presence of national industry.

The Chinese government’s refusal to confirm Boeing’s purchasing interruption coincides with a phase of reevaluating its industrial policy, facing external pressures and commercial sanctions imposed by the United States.

The Asian country has sought commercial alternatives and strengthened strategic alliances with Global South countries, especially in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.

By prioritizing statements about Brazil during Wednesday’s conference, Beijing signals that the partnership with Brasilia in the air sector can gain new impulse. Although the contract with Embraer has not yet been formalized, the continuity of the negotiations and diplomatic gestures reinforce the expectation of advancement in negotiations.