China and Brazil announced new joint efforts on Friday to eliminate deforestation and control the illegal trade that causes forest loss. In a joint statement, the countries said they “intend to work together to promote the elimination of global illegal logging and deforestation through the effective enforcement of their respective laws on the prohibition of illegal imports and exports.” Brazilian President Lula da Silva met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a visit to China in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties. China is Brazil’s largest trading partner and a major importer of commodities such as soybeans and oil. The two countries added that they would collaborate on satellite information “to enable better monitoring.” China and Brazil share the CBERS satellite program, which was first launched in 2001. (Sebastian Rodriguez)