Polls show Beijing-friendly incumbent Lula neck and neck with Washington’s favoured candidate ahead of closely watched October election
3-MIN READ3-MINCao Jiaxuanin BeijingPublished: 11:00pm, 27 Jul 2026With less than three months to go until Brazil’s presidential election, China is closely watching a high-stakes political duel between a Beijing-friendly incumbent and his pro-Washington challenger.
Analysts warn that a victory for the opposition senator could mean an “automatic alignment” with Washington, while pragmatic ties with Beijing are likely to endure because of close commercial relations.
In the phone call on Monday at Lula’s request, Xi said Beijing attached great importance to Brazil’s international status and significant influence.
