China joins Brazilian military exercises alongside US troops

Chinese troops will take part for the first time in annual exercises held by Brazil’s armed forces this week, training alongside US soldiers, the Brazilian Navy said.

China sent observers last year, but will have troops on the ground this year, the Navy, which coordinates the Operation Formosa exercises, said in a statement, adding that US troops took part in 2023.

“In Operation Formosa 2024 we have for the first time the participation of portions of troops made up of both friendly nations,” the Navy said of the two superpowers present this year. It did not detail the size of their contingents.

The Brazilian military will deploy 3,000 troops in the three-day exercises starting on Wednesday, and they will train using aircraft, tanks, armored and amphibious vehicles, artillery and missile and rocket launchers, it said.

The exercises, which use live ammunition, takes place outside the town on Formosa, located 80 km (49.7 miles) northeast of Brazil’s capital Brasilia.

Invited military personnel participate in workshops to exchange experiences, the Navy said, and observers from eight countries will attend the exercises, including Argentina, France, Italy, Pakistan and South Africa.