Washington recently imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports and announced sanctions against a top Brazilian judge. 'China firmly supports Brazil in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity,

Brazil was not the only country targeted for political reasons. India faces a comparable rate for buying Russian oil. Mr Trump warned Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, that recognising a Palestinian state would make trade negotiations “very hard”.

Chinese investments could play a crucial role in enabling Brazil to boost its industrial capacity and diversify economy.