Even before the heated exchanges between the political figureheads, many Brazilians, regardless of their status, are already developing an awareness of Brazil's dependence on China for medical supplies and equipment.

In the previous month, China's consul general based in Rio de Janeiro Li Yang published an article in O Globo's opinion section. 

Brazil dependent on China

Yang wrote criticisms of the administration's poor performance in handling the pandemic in response to Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro's remarks about the origins of the coronavirus. After Eduardo Bolsonaro's comments about China's accountability for the coronavirus, authorities have reached out to the Chinese ambassador to issue an apology.

As of yet, China is regarded as Brazil's biggest partner in the pandemic because of the medical supplies and equipment still awaiting shipment from the mainland of China. State governors, like São Paulo's João Doria, are dependent on China for the delivery of the much-needed ventilators, which have been ordered for nearly $100 million worth.

At the same time, Chinese investors are crucial for the recovery of Brazil from the upcoming recession following the pandemic. The country's echelons are equally outraged by the administration for failing to maintain civility with the trade partner.

Almost 30% of the exports from Brazil go directly to China. Losing them in business will mean ruining any chances of the country to fully recover in the global economy.

In mid-April, Bolsonaro fired Mandetta for directly going against his presidential orders by supporting quarantine measures initiated by local governments. The president wanted businesses and activities to resume regular operations amid the pandemic. 

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People all over Brazil are calling out pro-China authorities. Vice President Hamilton Mourão and Minister of Agriculture Tereza Cristina are the easiest targets to criticize by Bolsonaro supporters because of their close ties with China.

The strongarm of the Brazil-China business trade involves Mourão's pragmatic planning. He built a strong union between the country's agriculture industry, economic elites, and state leaders and China. 

Many Brazilians, regardless of their background, are already developing an awareness of Brazil's dependence on China for medical supplies and equipment. 

The result of this was that some far-right nationalist Brazilians have now created a WhatsApp dedicated to xenophobic and anti-China discussions. Bolsonaro supporters in the group are perpetuating the speculations that China launched the COVID-19 pandemic to bring down the Brazilian president.

The Chinese Embassy in turn have taken to social media to disapprove any and every criticism with regards to China. It was also online that they posted a meeting between Ambassador Yang Wanming and former Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta.

Chinese officials directly responding to these hate speeches with equal animosity can lead them to the bigger risk of gaining a more vulnerable position for criticism. Analysts are concerned how this may affect the cooperation between the two countries in the near future, particularly where commerce is involved.