Brazilian leaders are walking a fine diplomatic line to appeal to both the U.S. and China, and shield their nation from any potential blowback in an increasingly polarized world.

The idea that Brazil and other nations in the region shouldn’t have to pick between close relations with the world’s two largest economies was front and center at the Bloomberg New Economy at B20 event in Sao Paulo.

Top executives said it was crucial in order to avoid trade barriers, and compromising commercial business and much-needed growth. That followed comments Tuesday evening from Brazil’s agriculture minister calling for the country to join China’s Belt and Road, the superpower’s flagship global trade and infrastructure program.