【Text by Observer Net, Xiong Chaoran】On November 6 local time, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change opened in Belem, Brazil. At the opening ceremony of the summit, representatives from various countries began discussions on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

The New York Times noted on the same day that electric vehicles arriving at the venue were from China, and the head of state of the host country of this year's COP30, Brazilian President Lula, got out of this environmentally friendly car. This black stylish SUV produced by Chinese automaker BYD is one of a batch of electric and hybrid vehicle fleets prepared specifically for the conference, used to transport representatives of various countries to attend the summit.

The report believes that by choosing Chinese electric vehicles as the official transportation for President Lula and leaders of other countries, Brazil sends a clear signal: in the process of transforming its development path and economy, the largest country in Latin America will turn its eyes towards China.

Meanwhile, in the context of US President Trump's absence from COP30, Brazil's move also highlights the significant achievements of Chinese green technology in the region. "Even without the political and technological leadership of the United States, the world is moving forward," said Scott Kennedy, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): "Brazil's choice of these electric vehicles shows there are other options."

On November 5, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, climate activists projected a banner featuring portraits of Brazilian President Lula and US President Trump on a building ahead of the COP30, drawing the attention of passersby. IC Photo

The New York Times stated that electric vehicles are widely considered one of the key solutions to combat climate change, as they reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and can eliminate carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas emission.

"We need to embrace a new way of life, a more just, resilient, low-carbon development model," Lula said in his opening speech that day.

The report pointed out that while European and American automobile manufacturers have been struggling to transition to electrification, China has rapidly captured the market with more advanced technology and lower prices than competitors like Tesla, making Chinese electric vehicles particularly attractive in developing countries with weaker purchasing power.

In addition, China dominates the critical mineral supply chain for high-performance batteries required to manufacture these electric vehicles. Currently, the U.S. and China are competing for dominance over these strategic minerals, which are considered crucial for future technologies and are abundant in regions such as Brazil and Latin America.

The market share of Chinese electric vehicles in Asia and Europe is rapidly increasing, currently accounting for about two-thirds of the global market. In Brazil, the sixth-largest car market in the world, over 80% of electric vehicle sales come from Chinese brands.

Chinese automakers have clearly stated that their plans in Latin America go far beyond this.

Last month, BYD opened its largest factory outside Asia in Bahia State in northeastern Brazil, which was previously owned by Ford. On October 9 local time, Brazilian President Lula attended the factory's inauguration speech, welcoming the arrival of the Chinese enterprise.

On October 9 local time, President Lula attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of BYD's Brazilian factory. BYD Weibo Official Account

In his speech, Lula said that BYD's investment proved that "industrialization and sustainability can go hand in hand." He joked: "God writes with curves, he made Ford leave Brazil and brought in BYD. This is a good alternative for us because it's the most important technology in the global automotive industry."

Lula stated that Brazil will continue to strengthen its relationship with China, calling both countries friends and important countries in the Global South, "we hope to be respected and treated decently."

"Through this factory, we have shown the world our national development blueprint," Lula said. "We do not favor any country, but we hope to establish civilized relations with the world. This factory will reshape the dignity of the people of Camaçari, improve their lives, and let them walk the streets with their heads held high."

On October 9, 2025, the 14 millionth new energy vehicle of BYD was officially completed at the BYD passenger car factory in Camaçari, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. Brazilian President Lula and Chairman and President of BYD Wang Chuanfu were present. IC Photo

Similarly, this year, another Chinese automaker, Great Wall Motor, took over a large factory previously belonging to German automaker Mercedes-Benz, and plans to sell the electric vehicles produced at these factories to Brazil and other parts of Latin America.

It is already evident that electric vehicles are beginning to bring changes to Brazilian cities, including Belém, the host city of this COP30 - a port city near the mouth of the Amazon River with a population of 1.3 million, which has often experienced traffic congestion.

The New York Times stated that on a workday before the summit's opening, although the traffic was still dense, the amount of exhaust emissions was significantly less than usual. Electric vehicles quietly drove along the roads, humming softly in the midday traffic. Officials traveled through the city in fleets of Great Wall Motor pickup trucks, their windows fogged by air conditioning, while electric buses shuttled passengers around the city.

"This technology is changing the entire world," said Kennedy: "and China has quickly entered this field."

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7569793456428679720/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude by clicking on the [Up/Down] buttons below.