ABSTRACT This study is guided by two research questions, what factors sustain the Brazil–China trade relationship and explain its strategic relevance within evolving geopolitical dynamics, and how can this relationship be systematically analyzed to inform understanding of emerging market partnerships. The study adopts a theory‐building approach and develops a conceptual framework grounded in interdependence theory, supported by trade data and institutional evidence. The results show that the relationship is sustained by complementary strategic orientations, with China advancing global influence and Brazil pursuing competitiveness, which are translated into coordinated trade and infrastructure arrangements. These dynamics are associated with sustained trade expansion and measurable economic gains, indicating that asymmetrical partnerships can achieve stability and long‐term continuity when supported by institutional alignment and integrated logistics systems.
Hong et al. (2026) studied this question.