In a surprising turn of events, the US and China have sent their troops to participate in a joint military exercise for the first time, marking a significant development in their complex geopolitical relationship. The exercise, known as Operation Formosa, is led by the Brazilian Armed Forces and is one of Latin America’s largest.
Last year, American troops from the Southern Command took part in Operation Formosa, while China observed. This year, however, both nations have sent active troops. The exercise is held near the city of Formosa in Brazil, not to be confused with Taiwan, which also shared the same name in 1895.
According to the South China Morning Post, 33 Chinese Navy personnel and 54 US Navy personnel are participating in this year’s Operation Formosa, which will continue until next Tuesday. The Brazilian defence ministry reports that nearly 3,000 military personnel from various countries are involved, including Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of Congo, and South Africa.
The Brazilian Navy explained that inviting friendly nations to participate in these exercises is customary. The invitations provide an opportunity to strengthen ties and promote integration between the Brazilian Navy and other forces.
This joint military exercise is particularly noteworthy considering that there have been no joint exercises between the Chinese and American militaries since 2016. That year, Washington invited Beijing to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac), and China sent five warships and about 1,200 troops. However, the US withdrew its invitation to subsequent Rimpac exercises as punishment for China’s alleged militarization of disputed areas in the South China Sea. The most recent Rimpac, held in July this year, also excluded the Chinese military due to concerns about Beijing’s adherence to international norms.
Interestingly, despite these tensions, senior military officials from China and the US held a video call on Tuesday. During the call, they engaged in an “in-depth exchange of views on issues of common concern,” according to the Chinese defense ministry. This high-level military dialogue follows the first visit to China by a US national security advisor since 2016 in late August.
China’s participation in Operation Formosa is the latest step in expanding military cooperation between Beijing and Brasilia. Back in 2015, Chinese troops participated in training programs at Brazil’s Jungle Warfare Training Center in Manaus, Amazonas state. Further collaborations emerged during the Brazilian Peace Operations Joint Training Centre in 2017, hosted by Chinese students. In 2023, PLA Navy officers visited Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia to hold discussions with their Brazilian counterparts. General Tomas Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, commander of the Brazilian army, also visited Beijing in July to explore strengthening cooperation in academic affairs, science, technology, and the defense industry.
The US and China’s joint participation in Operation Formosa is a significant development that could signal a shift in their complex relationship. While it remains to be seen how this exercise will impact future interactions between the two nations, it is a noteworthy event that raises questions about the evolving geopolitical landscape.
