"We have no intention of distancing ourselves from anyone, especially a partner of the quality of the United States," says Brazil's Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, at a press conference during a visit to China. Brazil's President Lula is carrying out a delicate balancing act as he also seeks closer ties with Washington -- his visit with Xi Jinping comes after a high-profile White House meeting with President Joe Biden in February. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES