Brazil Roundup: Human rights criticism against Brazil, U.S. meeting cancelled, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza

Lula holds strategic talks with Xi

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday as Brazil’s trade tensions with the United States continue to escalate under President Donald Trump’s administration. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties and exploring new business opportunities between Brazil and China. Earlier that day, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad revealed that his virtual meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had been cancelled, signalling a deepening rift in Brazil–U.S. relations

Human rights criticism against Brazil

The U.S. government is intensifying its human rights scrutiny of Brazil and South Africa, according to leaked draft reports reviewed by The Washington Post. The documents reportedly align with President Trump’s disputed claims against certain political rivals, stoking internal disputes within the State Department. This move is expected to strain diplomatic ties further, as both Brazil and South Africa push back against what they describe as politically motivated criticism.

Trade deals in response to U.S. tariffs

Facing the fallout from a U.S.-imposed tariff war, Brazil’s government is fast-tracking new international trade agreements. Plans include finalising a treaty with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), concluding ongoing negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, and launching fresh talks with Canada before the end of the semester. The Lula administration views these moves as a strategic effort to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on U.S. trade.

High-level U.S. meeting cancelled

In a sign of mounting economic tensions, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad confirmed in a local TV interview that his much-anticipated meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been called off. The talks were expected to address Brazil–U.S. trade frictions and potential avenues for cooperation amid escalating tariffs. The cancellation underscores the challenging diplomatic climate between the two nations.

Brazil condemns Israel’s military campaign in Gaza

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement criticising Israel’s decision to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. The statement expressed “deep concern” over the new offensive and called for respect for international law and the protection of civilian lives. The move reflects Brazil’s broader foreign policy stance in favour of negotiated peace and against military escalation in the Middle East.