China Congratulates Lula on Reelection, Pledges Stronger Brazil Ties
China congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reelection Monday and pledged to continue building a "community of shared future" between the two nations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China noted the second-round results, where Lula won 51.79% of votes against 48.24% for far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. Guo stated China respects the Brazilian people's choice and is willing to work with Brazil on bilateral cooperation. Lula, 81, will begin his unprecedented fourth term on January 5 in Brasília, calling his victory a "defeat of lies and denialism." Bolsonaro refused to concede and announced plans to seek election annulment. Analysts say Lula's win strengthens Brazil-China ties and BRICS cooperation.