US, Chinese Troops Participate in Brazil's ‘Operation Formosa’ for First Time
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – For the first time, American and Chinese military personnel are participating in Brazil’s "Operation Formosa," one of Latin America's largest military exercises, alongside other international forces, the Brazilian Navy announced.
The joint military exercise, "Operation Formosa," led by the Brazilian Armed Forces, kicked off on Wednesday near the city of Formosa, Brazil. Approximately 3,000 military personnel are taking part, with the exercises scheduled to continue until next Tuesday, according to Brazil's defense ministry.
While US troops from the Southern Command participated last year and China sent observers, this year marks the first time both nations have sent active personnel. The Brazilian Navy confirmed the participation of 33 Chinese Navy members and 54 US Navy personnel.
Officers from several other nations, including Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of Congo, and South Africa, are also participating.
"It is customary to invite friendly nations to participate in these exercises," the Brazilian Navy said in a statement. "The importance of such invitations is linked to promoting greater integration between the Brazilian Navy and the forces of friendly nations."
The US Department of Defense referred inquiries about the exercise to US Southcom, which could not immediately provide a comment.
The Brazilian defense ministry described the exercise as simulating amphibious operations, with warships attacking hostile coastal regions and preparing to land on a designated beach. The ministry emphasized that all weapons used would fire live ammunition, aiming to enhance interoperability among the navy, army, and air force, and to facilitate the exchange of experiences with allied forces.
While US and Chinese troops are both present at the exercise, they are not training together. "While the PRC are also present at the exercise, US troops are not training alongside or with the PRC," said Pentagon spokesperson Major Pete Nguyen.
This is the first joint exercise between American and Chinese forces since 2016, when China participated in the US-led Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) Exercise. However, China was later excluded from Rimpac due to what the Pentagon described as its militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea.
China's involvement in Operation Formosa is another step in deepening military cooperation between China and Brazil. Chinese troops previously participated in training programs at Brazil's Jungle Warfare Training Centre in 2015 and have maintained ties through various collaborations since.
The Brazilian Navy noted that US Marines are present at the exercise to train with Brazilian forces. "By working side-by-side with our Brazilian counterparts, we are enhancing our collective ability to respond to regional security challenges," Nguyen added.
