I heard similar opinions from China long time ago. From someone from the private sectors I guess.
But now their official policy has totally changed and the government only talks about the eco civilization and sustainable development now. The official policy this year still focuses on poverty reduction but the ecology is their new emphasis.
It's probably because their new city building programs are under review now. The news said the cities they built are ghost towns.

(I don't know anything about Brazil. I am just talking about the political propaganda in China. )