It is in the country’s interest that the president seeks a balance between the US and China, without clearly taking sides
Lula talks too much and abuses improvisation. Nobody knows for sure what will happen to the world economy in the coming months and years, but, as far as geopolitics is concerned, the scenario is a little less uncertain. For the foreseeable future and as far as the eye can see, the US and China will vie for influence and markets.
It is a very favourable terrain for countries like Brazil, which do not automatically align themselves with either power and have strong economic relations with both.
At least in theory, Washington and Beijing are interested in seeking Brasilia’s cooperation, which puts us in an advantageous position to negotiate trade agreements and sign political pacts. To make the most of this situation, we need to signal both independence and reliability, that is, that we can swing either way depending on the issue, and that we will always be a loyal partner, even in situations where we disagree. In practice, this means that we cannot swear oaths of eternal love or attack either party mercilessly.
That is where Lula has messed up. He even honourably observed protocol on his US tour earlier this year, but now, on his trip to China, he has unleashed a series of unnecessary cannelloni against Washington, the dollar and even poor Ukraine, which has suffered a legally and morally unjustifiable invasion. This kind of rhetorical hubris doesn’t win us much in front of the Chinese, but it could lose us a lot in front of the Americans.
I am not going to say that I do not appreciate Lula’s impromptu speeches. As the superego is not the president’s strong suit, it is these interventions that allow us a glimpse of what he really thinks. I believe, however, that on international trips, given the potential damage to the relationship with other nations of poorly placed phrases and ideas, Lula should stick to written speeches.
Journalist*
