Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke highly on Friday of China's economic and scientific advancements, stating that China's existence in today's world is necessary for global competition in various fields.

In an interview with China's state broadcaster CCTV, Lula expressed admiration for China's progress over the past five decades, noting that few would have predicted China's rise to become the major global power it is by 2023.

"China retained its major power status through competition," Lula pointed out, adding that competition is indispensable in the world.

He lauded China's strength in almost all economic fields, as well as in science, technology, production and engineering.

"This is important for the world," he said, adding that there should be more than one party in the world and more than one voice should be heard in the world.

Lula praised China's focus on investment and education, and its efforts to cultivate talent in various fields, such as engineering, biology, medicine and aviation. "China does not incite war, but pursues common development," Lula said.

Lula also commended China's investment in underdeveloped countries, citing it as an example for other developed countries to follow in order to promote economic growth for underdeveloped countries and reduce their dependence on developed nations. "We should not be jealous of China," he said, "instead, other countries should follow suit."

Lula noted that China's appearance on the world stage represents a certain balance of power in global economic and scientific development. "This is important for the world."

Lula is on a state visit to China from April 12-15. This is his fifth trip to China.