MST and China: The Alliance for a new model of development against the climate crisis

By Marina do MST*

The fight against climate crisis is an unavoidable challenge that requires the articulation of efforts in all global spheres. This path necessarily demands that we rethink the development models that support contemporary societies, aiming at a future based on social justice, environmental preservation and inclusive growth, as highlighted in “China’s governance”.

As a deputy and militant of the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), I argue that the union between popular action and public policy is crucial to facing the environmental and economic crises that afflict us. The interaction between the global southern communities, with their diversity and knowledge, creates the conducive environment for this discussion to become a true catalyst for concrete change.

In Brazil, the struggle for food sovereignty and land reform figures as the basis for the construction of a sustainable country. Fundamental agent in the democratization of land in the country, the MST has shown that organized struggle goes beyond the claim of territory. Through popular mobilization and innovative strategies, the movement converts challenges to opportunities, creating agroecological systems that respect natural cycles and strengthen farmers’ autonomy, boosting income generation and social inclusion.

While Xi Jinping points to the need to reconcile economic development with environmental preservation, highlighting food safety as a basis for social stability, MST experience serves as a model of public policies that promote responsible production and distributive justice. In this context, the convergence between the Brazilian experience and the Chinese perspective is a unique opportunity to rethink the paths of progress, surpassing the conventional paradigms and embracing a new era of ecological and social responsibility.

One of the largest agricultural business partners in Brazil, China has been a strategic ally, especially with regard to family farming mechanization. While 87% of peasant agriculture in China is mechanized in Brazil, this rate does not exceed 14%. The MST sees in Chinese technologies an opportunity to change this scenario, with the introduction of small and medium machines, adapted to the Brazilian reality. The recent partnership with the China Agricultural University, which resulted in the donation of 31 MST Settlement machines, is a practical example of how this collaboration can be transformative.

This month, another important step will be taken on this joint walk. I will be on Chinese soil representing the movement to strengthen cooperation bonds focused on rural development and food security, and deepen the dialogue on urgent topics such as the fight against climate change, agricultural mechanization and sustainable bioinsuum production.

International cooperation is critical to facing the challenges of the 21st century. The proposal to institutionalize BRICS is urgent and create a permanent forum to discuss topics such as agroecology and food security, composing a pragmatic and hopeful response that can redirect global political strategies towards the confrontation of environmental degradation and promoting rural development. I reaffirm that this transformation imperatively involves the strengthening of institutions that promote the integration between traditional knowledge and technological innovations.

I conclude, therefore, that the union of MST experiences with Chinese governance can help us build a future in which innovation and preservation walk together. The synergy between popular action and state politics can, in fact, reverse the devastating effects of climate crisis and build solid bases for development that benefits society. May this view, based on determination, solidarity and non -negotiable respect for nature, inspire governments, social movements and citizens to act with courage and commitment in the defense of the planet and promoting a decent life for all.

* Marina do MST is the first landless woman to be elected deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, where she chairs the Food Security Commission. Elected by the Workers Party (PT) in 2022, he is a native of Paraná and has 25 years of militancy in the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), in which he acts as a national leader. It also integrated the political council of Via Campesina Internacional. Graduated in Social Assistance from UFRJ and Master in Territorial Development from UNESP, Marina fights for agrarian reform and the rights of field workers.