As night fell, the Juyongguan Pass Gate Tower, adorned with the plaque “The Impregnable Pass Under Heaven”, was lit up by brilliant lights. The flags of China and Brazil, along with a commemorative logo marking the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, were projected onto the gray tower. On the evening of August 15, local time, sister cities (provinces or states) of the two nations, including Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shandong, Brasilia Federal District, Amazonas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, hosted light shows at their landmarks to celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations.

China and Brazil are the largest developing countries and key emerging markets of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres respectively. As important members of the Global South, the two countries share extensive common interests and responsibilities for mutual development. Over the past 50 years, the bilateral relations have withstood the evolving international landscape and grew increasingly mature and stable, yielding significant fruits. The two nations have become good friends sharing the same vision, and good partners marching forward hand in hand.

Subnational exchanges and cooperation are a vital component of China-Brazil relations. Currently, the two countries have 62 pairs of sister cities, which significantly contribute to greater mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples, stronger bilateral ties, and increasing friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields. Beijing and Rio de Janeiro formally became sister cities in November 1986. In recent years, the two cities have engaged in frequent interactions and cooperation, hosting diverse activities in areas such as the Olympics, economy and trade, and culture.

The event was jointly initiated by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, and the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to boost the friendship between the peoples of China and Brazil and deepen exchanges between sister cities (provinces or states), thereby strengthening public support for their comprehensive strategic partnership.