China’s foreign minister Wang Yi held a “strategic dialogue” with Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira.

As key members of the BRICS group of developing nations, Beijing and Brasilia are pushing for a multipolar world order, seeking to dilute US dominance in global financial and political institutions.

The meeting came after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned a US decision to designate two Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist organisations, calling the move undue interference in his country’s internal affairs.

The US announcement followed lobbying efforts in Washington by the sons of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.

In a meeting with Trump last week in Washington, Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who is preparing a run for president with his father’s blessing, said he had asked the US to label the gangs as terrorists.

Wang said China “supports Brazil in safeguarding its national sovereignty, maintaining its independence and autonomy and achieving greater development”.

The foreign ministry statement did not directly address the US designation.

Wang and Vieira also “conducted comprehensive and in-depth strategic communication on international and regional issues of common concern, reaching broad consensus,” the statement said.

While Brazil has faced growing pressure from Washington to limit its ties with Beijing, the two countries have actively collaborated on global security issues, including diplomatic efforts on the conflict in Ukraine.

China is Brazil’s largest trading partner, and Brazil is a major exporter of soy, beef, and iron ore to China.