In today’s issue: Bolsonaro and Trump to talk Venezuela, China. Brazil more aligned to the U.S. Stock market reaches historic milestone—then loses steam.
Bolsonaro and Trump to talk Venezuela, China
Today, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro—dubbed the “Trump of the Tropics”—for the very first time. The leaders of the Americas’ two largest democracies are expected to focus their meeting on the crisis in Venezuela and China’s creeping influence in Latin America. Aides from both sides, though, have downplayed the possibility of major breakthroughs during this visit.
During an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bolsonaro said he is counting on the U.S. “to free Venezuela” from the anti-democratic rule of Nicolás Maduro. On China, Brazil has kept a more ambiguous position. While Mr. Bolsonaro and the ideological wing of his administration have been highly critical of Beijing, other groups in power defend a more cautious approach.
Economy Minister Paulo Guedes, for instance, reminded that China is Brazil’s top trading partner, and would be there to pick up the slack if the U.S. didn’t become more open to Brazilian exports. Brazilian officials have also confirmed that the Bolsonaro administration won’t—at least...