Insights | 'Safe and comfortable': Brazilian scholar shares living experiences in China, eyes more bilateral cooperation

By Gan Tian

(ECNS) -- "Vibrant, diverse, and dynamic" -- these are the impressions of China's economy shared by Jose Renato Peneluppi Jr., a Brazilian scholar and director of the Brazilian Citizens Council in Beijing.

In a recent interview with China News Networks, Renato, who gave himself the Chinese name "Ren Tu", marveled that he was deeply captivated by China's development.

Renato left his career as a lawyer in Brazil in 2010 to pursue studies in China, eager to gain a deeper understanding of China's economic and social progress.

Back then, he had noticed the exceptionally strong Brazil-China relations."China was delivering a great development and the world was surprised with it. So I thought coming to China would broaden my perspectives."

After graduation, Renato chose to settle in Wuhan, a city he praises as "a hub of vitality." Now, he has lived in China for 15 years.

The Brazilian scholar enthusiastically highlighted Wuhan's diverse culinary offerings -- especially the "exceptionally delicious" Wuchang fish -- and the convenience of life there, highlighted by an expanding high-speed rail network that makes traveling across China easy and effective.

Renato also emphasized China's advances in clean energy, its improving ecological environment, the convenience of online shopping, and the integration of technology into daily life as standout features of his experience.

"Life in China is really more comfortable and secure," he said. That's why he holds a very positive perspective for China's economy.

Renato also noted Brazilian President Lula's visit to China in May 2025 with a large business delegation, during which both sides agreed to expand and deepen practical cooperation and enhance collaboration in industrial and supply chains.

As important members of both BRICS and the Global South, Brazil and China, he said, have broad prospects for cooperation in agriculture, technology,trade,and infrastructure.

Renato expressed hope that the two nations will strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks to further contribute to Global South solidarity and cooperation.