In Geopolitics Today: Thursday, February 9th
Brazil’s New Government Reinforces Regional Ties before US Visit, Turkey and Syria Seek International Aid after Earthquake, and other stories.
Brazil’s New Government Reinforces Regional Ties before US Visit
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil made his first international trip to Argentina for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit. CELAC is composed of 33 countries, including Venezuela and Cuba, and serves as a counterpoint to the US-dominated Organization of American States.
President Lula reiterated Brazil's support for a policy of non-intervention in the region and marked Brazil's renewed commitment to regional integration. Ahead of his trip to the US, President Lula will be looking to discuss a number of key areas of cooperation, with climate change and trade expected to dominate discussions. Brazil's foreign policy approach is rational, keeping the country out of conflicts that don't affect its interests and preserving its credibility and goodwill to act as a mediator.
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Japan to Replace Some Helicopters with Drone Fleet
Japan is set to replace its attack and observation helicopters with unmanned aircraft systems, according to the country's defence build-up strategy. The plan calls for the elimination of some existing attack and observation helicopters, which will result in a reduction of 1,000 personnel.
The country will arm its existing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopters to maintain a minimum level of capability. The plan to replace the helicopters is part of Japan's efforts to reorganize its aviation component and comes as the country increases its defence spending in response to perceived threats from China and North Korea.
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Russian Foreign Minister Visits Sudan to Strengthen Ties
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Sudan as part of an African tour seeking to expand Russia's influence. The tour is part of Russia's effort to strengthen its military, security, and economic ties in Africa and comes as Western nations have imposed sanctions on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
The visit to Sudan is aimed at bolstering the countries' economic ties, especially in infrastructure, according to state news agency SUNA. Sudan has been cut off from billions of dollars in international financing after military leaders overthrew a Western-backed transitional government in 2021. During the visit, Lavrov was due to meet Foreign Minister-designate Ali al-Sadeq and other officials. Western countries are concerned about Russia's expanding influence in Africa's Sahel and its border regions, with many analysts and watchdog groups criticizing the move, saying that Russia is interested in developing its own interests rather than expanding Sudan's economic power.
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Turkey and Syria Seek International Aid after Earthquake
The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday has surpassed 20,000, with over 100,000 injured and hundreds of thousands displaced. In Turkey, over 15,000 have been killed and 60,000 injured, while in Syria the death toll is over 3,000, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Aid and rescue teams from over 20 countries have been dispatched to Turkey, while efforts to get aid into Syria have been hindered by the lack of open border crossings and damaged roads. The earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria have reportedly not been damaged and the area’s steel manufacturing plants remain open. Aid organizations are calling for the immediate lifting of the EU’s sanctions on Syria as they are blocking the transfer of emergency aid.
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US State of the Union Speech Emphasizes Competition
In his State of the Union address, US President Biden declared that his government will defend US sovereignty if China attempts to encroach on it. He introduced a new program aimed at enhancing the Buy American requirements for government contracts and extended the same for road construction projects.
In his address, President Biden reinforced the two key trends in US policy by emphasizing the need to counter China as a strategic rival and adopting a protectionist approach. The tough policy towards China is an issue on which both political parties agree, providing potential for legislative collaboration over the next two years as measures against China's technology sector will continue to be targeted by executive action. Stricter enforcement and broadened Buy American requirements may strain relationships with US allies and raise infrastructure costs.