Interview: Chinese president's book enlightening, lesson for Brazil: Brazilian experts

Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on the governance of China is enlightening and has much to offer to Brazil's society and politicians, Brazilian experts told Xinhua.

Xi Jinping: the Governance of China, a book that outlines the full political ideas of the top Chinese leadership, has been recently published in Portuguese.

The book was enlightening and can help Brazil and the world know more about China and its leader, said Ronnie Lins, director of the China-Brazil Center, which works to promote business ties.

"We can know the details of construction and evolution of the New China, especially on aspects like political, social and economic development, in order to understand how China got to its current stage," Lins said.

Yann Duzert, a professor with the renowned public policy think tank Getulio Vargas Foundation, said although he has been studying China for many years, the book provided a different and new perspective on China's governance.

Carlos Tavares, an author of 10 books on China and a longtime expert of China-Brazil relations, considered Xi's book an "excellent idea" and stressed that the book mentions all the important aspects of modern China, giving readers a comprehensive view of the country.

"Xi focuses on all important sectors: economy, education, society... he gives a very ample picture of China, which is important for foreigners," he said.

Tavares noted that the book contains much information on the democracy with Chinese characteristics.

All the three experts stressed that the actions and ideas which Xi describes in the book helped China advance in the fields such as politics and economy.

According to Lins, an aspect to be highlighted in the book is the economy, especially the idea that the economic growth should not be exaggerated.

"I have heard many analysts talk about China's economic deceleration as a negative thing. But right now, a two-digit growth rate would be a damage to China's economy, which would cause a rise in the inflation rate," he said.

"Considering the current economic situation in the world, a growth rate of about 7 percent would be great, demonstrating the consistency of Chinese economy," Lins added.

He also hailed Xi's words about the so-called "Chinese dream," especially the parts about giving youngsters hopes for dreams, which will require a lot of hard work.

Duzert praised Xi's mindset for a long-term strategy, something China excels at, but a problem for Brazilian politicians and administrations.

According to him, Brazil has a lot to learn on that front, because the country lacks the long-term policies and investments that ensured China's development.

Duzert said that Brazil must, like China, invest in renovation so as to transform itself and open its economy and culture.

"Brazil needs to renovate its old habits and lifestyle, to have more meritocracy, like in China, and social mobility," Duzert said.

He stressed that Brazil needs to practice more what he calls "newgotiation": a way of negotiating to achieve mutual benefit, or a win-win negotiation, like the Chinese practice, instead of a mindset for negotiations in which one part wins at the cost of others.

He also highlighted the importance Xi attached to "the mutual gains vision, the win-win vision with the world, connectivity with the world" in the book.

Tavares suggested that Xi's book should be given to Brazilian authorities, so they can have a better understanding of China, which is a strategic partner of Brazil and the country's leading trade partner.

Lins, on the other hand, highlighted two aspects: transparency in the government and the fight against corruption.

China is undergoing several reforms and corruption is taken very seriously, he said, adding that the matter is also a concern in Brazil, where official and corporate corruption are regarded as problems ingrained in the country's practices.

"Brazilian politicians should discuss and vote a complete renovation of the Penal Code and, like in China, and enforce tougher punishment against corruption crimes. This would have a major deterrent effect to discourage corruption, especially in the public sector," he said.

According to Tavares, there are many fields in which Brazil can learn from China, but education is a primary concern.

"China is an example in education," he said, adding there is a need for more schools and more transport for children to go to school in many Brazilian towns. Endi