Chinese Troops to Participate in Brazil’s Military Drills with US Forces, Reported by Reuters

BRASILIA – For the first time, Chinese troops will participate in Brazil’s annual military exercises this week, which also include U.S. forces, as announced by the Brazilian Navy on Tuesday.

However, Pentagon spokesperson Major Pete Nguyen clarified that U.S. and Chinese forces would not be training together during Brazil’s “Operation Formosa” exercises. “While the PRC is also present at the exercise, U.S. troops are not training alongside or with the PRC,” Nguyen explained. The PRC stands for the People’s Republic of China.

Last year, China sent observers to the Operation Formosa exercises, but this year it will deploy troops on the ground, according to the Brazilian Navy’s statement. U.S. troops were also involved in the exercises held in 2023.

The Navy noted, “In Operation Formosa 2024, we have for the first time the participation of portions of troops made up of both friendly nations.” However, they did not provide details on the size of these contingents.

The Brazilian military plans to deploy 3,000 troops for the three-day exercises starting Wednesday, which will involve training with various military equipment, including aircraft, tanks, armored and amphibious vehicles, artillery, and missile launch systems.

The exercises, conducted with live ammunition, will take place near the town of Formosa, located about 80 km northeast of Brazil’s capital.

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

Nguyen emphasized that U.S. Marines are in Formosa solely to train with their Brazilian counterparts, stating, “By working side-by-side with our Brazilian partners, we are enhancing our collective ability to respond to regional security challenges.”