James Mattis tries to woo Brazil as Chinese influence in Latin America continues to grow
The US defence secretary described Brazil as an ally ‘whose values we share politically’, adding – apparently in a swipe at China – ‘Others cannot credibly say the same’
US Defence Secretary James Mattis urged closer strategic ties with Brazil on Tuesday in what appeared to be part of a concerted resistance against growing Chinese influence in Latin America.
Mattis, who is starting a tour of South America, told military officers at Rio de Janeiro’s war college that Brazil and the United States had interests built on shared geography, democracy and battlefield history dating to the second world war.
Mattis said the United States wanted a “stronger relationship,” with a focus on using the Brazil’s Alcantara space centre, whose location near the equator makes launches more effective.
China is developing its space infrastructure in Latin America, with a base in southern Argentina’s Patagonia region. It has also pushed deep into the continent’s economies as an investor and major client for agricultural, mineral and other commodities.
