The relationship between Brazil and China has entered a new era, marked by unprecedented levels of cooperation and a shared commitment to technological advancement. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to economic growth and social development, both countries are leveraging their strengths to drive innovation not only within their borders but across the entire BRICS bloc.

Brazil’s presidency of BRICS in 2025 has placed AI governance and digital inclusion at the forefront of its agenda, reflecting the growing importance of these themes for emerging economies. According to recent studies, over 77% of companies globally are already utilizing some form of AI, with applications ranging from virtual assistants to advanced medical diagnostics and agribusiness automation. Within the BRICS context, which represents more than 40% of the world’s population, technological cooperation is seen as a critical lever for reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development.

A Landmark Visit: Deepening Ties in Beijing

This week, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led a high-level delegation to China, underscoring the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. The visit, which included meetings with top Chinese officials and Latin American leaders, was marked by the signing of a series of new agreements aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. Among the key events was a ceremony at Beihang University, where several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were formalized-including a landmark agreement between the IDEAS Institute and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

These MoUs are part of a broader wave of bilateral accords: in the past year alone, Brazil and China have signed dozens of agreements covering trade, technology, education, and sustainable development. The latest round of signings is particularly significant, as it signals a renewed commitment to strategic partnership. The relationship has even been rebranded as the “Brazil-China Community of Shared Destiny for a Fairer World and a More Sustainable Planet,” reflecting a new level of trust and ambition. The IDEAS–Rio University agreement, signed in Beijing, exemplifies this spirit of collaboration, focusing specifically on joint research, policy development, and talent cultivation in AI.

AI for Social Inclusion and Sustainable Growth

The IDEAS–UFRJ partnership is designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing both countries. Brazil, while emerging as a regional leader in digital policy, continues to face a shortage of AI specialists, especially in the fields of AI safety and governance. China, with its advanced AI infrastructure and growing ecosystem of startups, offers valuable expertise and resources. Through joint training programs, academic exchanges, and collaborative research, the new agreement aims to bridge these gaps and foster a new generation of AI professionals.

The focus on responsible AI is especially timely. Both countries are committed to developing frameworks that ensure AI technologies are deployed ethically and transparently. Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and China’s Data Security Law (DSL) highlight the importance of robust data governance. The IDEAS–UFRJ collaboration will work to harmonize approaches, developing standardized protocols for data sharing and certification programs for algorithmic transparency-initiatives that can serve as models for the wider BRICS community.

Driving Innovation Across Sectors

The opportunities for mutual growth are substantial. In agriculture, the combination of China’s expertise in AI-driven precision farming and Brazil’s leadership in sustainable agriculture can yield powerful solutions for food security and environmental stewardship. The CBERS satellite program, a longstanding symbol of Sino-Brazilian cooperation, offers a foundation for new joint ventures in geospatial intelligence and climate monitoring.

Healthcare is another area ripe for collaboration. China’s AI-powered diagnostic tools, such as those developed under the Healthy China 2030 program, have demonstrated the potential to expand access to early diagnoses and personalized treatments. Brazil can adapt these innovations to improve healthcare delivery in remote and underserved regions, addressing persistent inequalities.

Urban innovation also stands to benefit. Chinese cities have pioneered the use of AI for traffic management, public safety, and disaster response-capabilities that are directly relevant to Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro. Through pilot projects and knowledge exchange, the IDEAS–UFRJ partnership can help accelerate the adoption of smart city solutions tailored to local needs.

BRICS as a Platform for Global Tech Governance

The broader BRICS framework amplifies the significance of these initiatives. As discussions continue around the creation of a BRICS AI observatory and the development of joint public policy frameworks, academic-policy partnerships like IDEAS–UFRJ are poised to play a leading role. The New Development Bank (NDB) is already supporting projects that promote sustainable development and social inclusion through AI, while the exchange of best practices and open-source systems is fostering a spirit of innovation across the bloc.

Looking Ahead

The signing of the IDEAS–UFRJ agreement, alongside other high-profile MoUs, marks a turning point in Sino-Brazilian relations. It demonstrates that the future of AI is not just about technological competition, but about building bridges between countries, disciplines, and communities. By combining China’s technological scale with Brazil’s innovation potential, this partnership offers a template for inclusive, sustainable progress-not only for BRICS, but for the Global South as a whole.

As AI continues to transform economies and societies, the collaborative model emerging from Brazil and China will be closely watched by policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders worldwide. The journey is just beginning, but the foundation for a new era of responsible, people-centered AI has been firmly laid.