US and China conduct joint military exercises in Brazil

Dozens of U.S. and Chinese naval infantry soldiers are participating in joint military exercises alongside 3,000 Brazilian troops in Formosa, Brazil. This event, known as Operation Formosa 2024, began on September 7, 2023, and marks a significant collaboration between the two superpowers in a country that seeks to enhance its role in global politics. Brazil's pragmatic foreign policy approach, which emphasizes dialogue and cooperation, has made it an attractive host for such exercises, given its status as a regional power and its strong trade ties with both the U.S. and China. The military drills involve various military assets, including airplanes, tanks, and missile launchers, and also include personnel from several other countries, showcasing Brazil's diverse alliances. The Brazilian government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aims to mediate between different geopolitical blocs, particularly between the U.S. and Europe on one side and China and Russia on the other. This ambition is supported by Celso Amorim, Lula's advisor on international affairs. The exercises are part of Brazil's broader strategy to strengthen military collaboration, particularly with China, while maintaining a long-standing security partnership with the U.S. The Brazilian Army's commander has expressed intentions to enhance cooperation in defense and military science, reflecting Brazil's growing interest in international military collaboration. The unprecedented participation of both U.S. and Chinese troops in Brazil highlights the country's diplomatic ambitions and its historical significance in global affairs, as it seeks to play a pivotal role in addressing regional stability and security challenges.