Washington [US], September 10: US and Chinese troops are taking part in the Formosa exercise in Brazil, their first joint exercise since the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2016.
The South China Morning Post reported on September 10 that US and Chinese soldiers participated for the first time in the Formosa joint exercise led by the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Brazil's Defense Ministry said about 3,000 soldiers will begin the exercise from September 11 to 17. This is one of the largest exercises in Latin America , first held in 1988 and taking place near the city of Formosa (Brazil).
During last year's Formosa exercise, the US sent troops from its southern command (US Southcom), while China participated as an observer.
This year marks the first time both countries have sent troops to participate in the exercise, with 33 from the Chinese Navy and 54 from the US Navy, according to a spokesman for the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Officers from Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of Congo and South Africa also participated in the exercise.
"It is customary to invite friendly nations to participate in these exercises. The importance of such invitations is directly linked to the opportunity to promote greater integration between the Brazilian Navy and the forces of friendly nations," the Brazilian Navy said in a statement.
When asked about the operation, the US Department of Defense referred questions to US Southcom, but the force could not be reached for comment.
The Brazilian Defense Ministry said the purpose of the exercise was to simulate amphibious operations in which warships attack a coastal area and plan a landing on a designated beach.
The agency added that "all weapons used will use live ammunition", facilitating interoperability and integration of the navy, army and air force "in addition to promoting experience exchange with allied forces from other countries".
The Chinese and US militaries have not held joint exercises since 2016, when Washington invited Beijing to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise , also known as Rimpac. At that time, China sent five warships and about 1,200 troops.
However, in subsequent Rimpac exercises, the Pentagon withdrew the invitation to respond to China's "continued militarization of disputed features" in the South China Sea, according to then-Pentagon spokesman Christopher Logan.
The most recent Rimpac exercise took place in July, and the Chinese military was again not invited because of Beijing's "reluctance to adhere to international rules or norms and standards," according to US Navy Vice Admiral John Wade, who commanded the exercise .
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
