The closer relations between China and Brazil have facilitated bilateral exchanges in several fields, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported this week.

The agency quoted Ma Guangfeng, secretary-general of the Brazil-China Culture Exchange Chamber, saying his association has been holding “at least two large events” per year recently, to promote cultural exchanges.

“Events related to Chinese culture have been increasing in Brazil in recent years, as relations between China and Brazil get closer,” he said.

His association has organised several cultural galas in different Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The events offer chances for Brazilians to learn more about Chinese customs, food and language, with the focus this year being on Chinese martial arts such as kung fu and wushu, Xinhua reported.

Mr Ma was also quoted saying more people in Brazil have been searching for courses to learn Mandarin in the past few years.