Rede Globo has recently announced that Felipe Santana will be the new correspondent for Brazil's leading TV channel in China, Beijing. This move is seen as a response to the increasing need for direct coverage from the world's second-largest economy, reflecting a growing trend among Brazilian media outlets such as Brasil247, UOL, and O Globo to establish a permanent presence in China. Historically, Brazilian media coverage of China has relied heavily on foreign sources, but the appointment of a dedicated correspondent signals a shift towards more localized reporting.

This change comes in the wake of significant geopolitical changes and a global interest in China's role in the world economy. Felipe's new position denotes not only the importance of having a correspondent to navigate the complexities of Chinese society and politics post-COVID Zero but also the pressing need for independent Brazilian voice to report directly from the ground. The Brazilian media has faced challenges in recent years regarding the accuracy and depth of its reporting on China, which has often left a gap filled by international news agencies.

However, maintaining overseas correspondents, like Felipe, presents financial challenges and often does not yield immediate financial returns. Salaries for correspondents in countries like China are typically paid in dollars, and the restrictive media environment poses further challenges to accessing reliable information. Despite these hurdles, this strategic move by Globo marks a significant acknowledgment of the need for reliable and enriched reporting from China, which may enhance Brazil's understanding and engagement with this crucial global player.