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Lula da Silva: Brazil is back

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Brazil’s former president Lula da Silva (2003-2010) won the second round of presidential election that was held on October 30th, with 50.83 percent. Left-wing candidate Lula da Silva, who defeated incumbent right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro, said he would restore his country to its rightful place in the international arena.

In Brazil, Latin America’s largest country with a population of over 212 million, about 156 million voters went to the polls on Sunday. 

Labour Party candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won 50.83 per cent of the vote, compared to 49.17 per cent for Liberal Party candidate and incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, according to polling results published by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Lula da Silva also surpassed Bolsonaro (43.20 percent) with 48.43 percent of the vote in the first round of the presidential election held on October 2nd.

Lula, who previously ruled Brazil for two terms, will take over the presidency from Bolsonaro on January 1st, 2023.

A single country, a single people…

Lula da Silva addressed to his supporters after winning the election “as of January 1st, 2023, I will govern for 215 million Brazilians, and not just for those who voted for me. There are not two Brazils. We are a single country, a single people, a great nation.”

Referring to the corruption charges and spending time in jail, Lula said “I think I am experiencing a resurgence in Brazilian politics. They tried to bury me alive, but now I’m here to rule the country. We are in a very difficult situation, but I am sure that with the help of the people, we will find a way out and restore peace.”

The most urgent task is to fight hunger

Emphasizing the fight against hunger, Lula said, “Our most urgent commitment is to end hunger again, we cannot accept it as normal for millions of men, women and children to go hungry or consume less protein than necessary in this country. We are the third largest food producer and the first in animal protein.”

“We are able to export all over the world and we have a duty to ensure that every Brazilian can have breakfast, lunch and dinner every day,” Lula reiterated. “This will once again be my government’s number one commitment,” he said.

Referring to the housing problem, Lula said, “We cannot accept that families are forced to sleep on the streets as normal, so we will continue the ‘my home is my life’ program and bring back the participation programs. Brazil can no longer live with this huge wall of inequality.”

Lula listed the demands of the people as follows: “The Brazilian people want to have a good job, a salary which is always above inflation, a quality public health and education system. They want books instead of guns. Brazilian people want to regain hope.”

Democracy message

Describing the election victory as a “victory of democracy”, Lula said, “This is the victory of an enormous democratic movement founded beyond political parties, personal interests, and ideologies for the victory of democracy,”

Lula shared the Brazilian flag on his Twitter account with a “Democracy” note.

Foreign policy remarks:

Prestige in the world

“Today, we are telling the world that Brazil is back and is too big to be relegated to the sad role of a pariah,” Lula said, “What I hear the most in my international trips is that the world misses that sovereign Brazil that spoke on equal terms with the richest and most powerful countries and, at the same time, contributed to the poorest countries.” 

Regional integration

“We are going to reconquer the credibility, predictability and stability of the country so that investors regain confidence in Brazil, so that they stop seeing our country as a source of immediate and predatory profit and become our allies in economic growth,” Lula said, recalling that in his previous terms, he had strengthened Mercosur and other regional integration organizations.

New standards with the US and EU

Talking about forming partnerships with US and EU on new standards, Lula da Silva added “We are not interested in trade agreements that condemn our country to enter the role of the seller of commodities and raw materials. We are going to reindustrialize and invest in the green economy.”

Lula also raised the issue of five permanent members of the UN, which undermine the balance between countries and prevented the enlargement of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Fighting the climate crisis

“We are ready to re-engage in the fight against hunger in the world,” Lula da Silva stated and added that Brazil is ready to gain its leading role in the fight against the climate crisis by protecting all rainforests, especially the Amazon rainforest.

“We are open to international cooperation to preserve the Amazon, but always under Brazil’s leadership, without giving up our sovereignty,” Lula said, stressing that the growing deforestation and destruction in the Amazon rainforest will end.

Rise of the left in Latin America

The “pink tide” continues to rise in Latin America, which has defeated US-backed coups.

Following the elections in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Honduras, and Colombia, victory of yet another left-wing candidate in Brazilian elections too have raised the expectations on the strengthening of regional integration efforts. Lula da Silva’s emphasis on regional integration in his victory speech also points to this. Lula and Brazil are expected to boost cooperation among other governments, such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia, which share similar perspectives.

So much so that the leaders of Latin America, who strongly embraced Lula’s victory, shared enthusiastic congratulatory messages, and emphasized that this victory would strengthen the unification of Latin America.

Full support from Latin American leaders

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez shared his photo with Lula on his Twitter account, saying: “Congratulations, Lula da Silva! Your victory opens a new era for the history of Latin America. A time of hope and future that begins today. Here you have a partner to work and dream big for the good life of our peoples. After so many injustices that you experienced, the people of Brazil have elected you and democracy has triumphed.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also tweeted: “We celebrate the victory of the Brazilian people, who this October 30th, elected Lula as their new President. Long live the peoples determined to be free, sovereign, and independent! Today in Brazil democracy triumphed. Congratulations Lula!”

Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel said in his post, “They delayed your victory with heinous methods, but they couldn’t prevent you from winning with the vote of the people. Social justice will return.”

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also shared his photo with Lula on his social media account, saying, “Lula won, blessed people of Brazil. There will be equality and humanism.”

Bolivia’s President Luis Arce Catacora, emphasizing integration in his Twitter account, said: “Congratulations, brother Lula, Brazil’s elected president! Your victory strengthens democracy and Latin American integration. We are sure that you will lead the Brazilian people along the path of peace, progress and social justice.”

Honduras President Xiomara Castro also shared her photo with Lula and posted “He faced the most conservative powers in history, and together with the people of Brazil he has defeated them. Latin America is reborn with hope in a true humanist process of change and liberation.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who posted “Yay Lula” on his social media account, emphasized integration in Latin America in his following posts.

President of the Republic of Chile, Gabriel Boric retweeted Lula’s post and added “Lula. Happiness!”

Peru’s President Pedro Castillo congratulated Lula on his victory, saying: “Peru congratulates the president-elect of Brazil, the comrade Lula, worker, trade unionist, fighter. His victory is essential to strengthen the unity of Latin America and the social justice of the Great Homeland.”

With Lula taking over in Brazil, most of the Latin American countries will be governed by leftist governments. In addition, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia together with Mexico constitute the 5 largest economies of the continent.

Relations with China expected to improve

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated the winner of the election, Lula da Silva, stressing that “deepening long-term friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both countries.”

Xi said he highly values the development of China-Brazil relations, and he is ready to work with Lula to push forward China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level to benefit to the two countries and their people.

Speaking to the Global Times, Chinese experts expect Lula’s return to significantly improve the atmosphere of cooperation between China and Brazil in terms of trade, investment, and global governance. It’s also emphasized that Lula’s return also means the strengthening of the autonomy of Latin American diplomacy.

“Lula’s return is likely to bring back a smoother China-Brazil relationship” Zhou Zhiwei, an expert on Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. Zhou said this would allow both sides find more space and improve economic and trade cooperation, especially in agriculture and infrastructure construction.

“Brazil may also seek to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under Lula” Zhou said.

Lula and BRICS could be more compatible

Given that Lula was instrumental in the establishment and launch of the BRICS mechanism during his last stint in office, the Chinese expert believes that he will continue to be active and positive about BRICS.

According to the Chinese expert, cooperation between Lula and BRICS countries and communication on international hotspot issues and global affairs will be smoother and more stable than under Bolsonaro.

Regional integration and rejection of US hegemonism

Yang Jianmin, another Chinese Latin American expert, told the Global Times about the rising “pink tide” in the region.

Stating that the “pink tide” that continued with Lula’s election can be viewed as the opportunity to support regional integration, to reject US hegemony in the region, and to advocate independent diplomacy, Yang stressed that this is also China’s opportunity to develop a more profound bond with these countries.

He may also follow a more pragmatic policy…

Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, pointed out that unlike others, Lula could also pursue a more pragmatic policy.

“Lula’s emphasis on South-South cooperation and bonding with emerging powers does not mean that he will reject the US” Wang noted and added that it’s very likely that Lula will may have a more pragmatic style and less anti-American voice in his third term. According to Wang, instead, Lula may prioritize more practical tasks such as stabilizing the economy and mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19.

Brazil and China may explore new areas of cooperation

Tatiana Prazeres, director of trade and international relations for the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, told the Atlantic Council on China’s policy, which Lula would likely to pursue, that despite negative rhetoric against China during the Bolsonaro administration, trade and investment between the two countries developed largely undisturbed, but the political unrest created by the anti-Chinese rhetoric prevented the deepening of bilateral relations in other areas such as science and technology.  Under Lula, Prazeres said, he expects Brazil and China to explore new areas of cooperation.

Lula may also be more enthusiastic about BRICS and the Belt Road, Prazeres said, adding that he may prefer to leverage Chinese investments and technologies to help reinvigorate Brazilian industry.

Biden may try to get closer through climate

Another expert spoken to the Atlantic Council is former secretary of foreign trade of Brazil, senior researcher Abrão Neto.

Lula’s election would lead to a significant change in Brazil’s environmental agenda, among other things, Abrão Neto said, adding that this would enable Brazil to improve its relationship with the United States.

Arguing that US-Brazil economic relations during the Lula era would continue to be driven by pragmatic mutual interests, the expert said: “A renewed stance from the Brazilian government on climate change and other environmental issues might offer an extended avenue for bilateral cooperation, with positive spillovers for the overall political and economic relationship between the United States and Brazil.”

Experts comment that Biden will try to get closer to Lula to lure Brazil into intense power rivalry.

It’s commonly expressed that Lula’s idea of strengthening the protection of the Amazon forests could be compatible with Biden’s climate policy.

US President Joe Biden was among the first world leaders to congratulate Lula.

On Sunday, Biden congratulated Lula on his victory following “free, fair and credible elections” and said he looked forward to continuing the cooperation with Brazil.

‘CIA’ plot against Lula

Lula da Silva, 77, who chaired Brazil for two terms in 2003-2010, was indicted for corruption in 2016. Lula, who argued that the case was political, applied to the court, but was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison in 2017. He went to prison in 2018 and spent a year and a half in prison.

Lula was unable to run for president because he was in prison and could not run in the 2018 election. The lawsuits against Lula paved the way for Bolsonaro’s election.

In 2021, Lula’s convictions and cases were dismissed by the Supreme Court, which ruled that the judge responsible for these cases, Sergio Moro, was biased and political, paving the way for him to participate in the elections.

At the time, some messages about this investigation were leaked to the press by a Brazilian news site. The leaked messages revealed that federal judge Sergio Moro, who was conducting the investigation at the time, collaborated with prosecutors in ways that overstepped ethical lines and affect the decision on prison sentences.

It was understood that the corruption cases were conspiracy against Lula da Silva. The Brazilian federal prosecutor’s office announced that prosecutors conducting the investigation have been assigned to other units.

It was alleged that the CIA was behind the conspiracy against Lula at the time.

Lula, who followed policies to end the neoliberal impositions of the USA in Brazil and the region, IMF dependence, made Brazil the 10th largest economy in the world, improved relations with China, made the country one of the founders of BRICS, advocated regional integration, gained the love of the people by ensuring that approximately 30 million Brazilians got rid of poverty with the social policies he implemented.

The trial and imprisonment of Lula was described as a US-backed coup that brought the right to power.

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Trump administration targets 60 nations with new tariff draft under Section 301

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03/06/2026

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The US administration is proposing new tariffs of at least 10% on imports from 60 trading partners, following an investigation into goods allegedly produced using forced labor.

According to a Bloomberg report citing sources within the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), the specific tariff rates will vary based on individual countries’ legislative frameworks regarding forced labor and their capacity to enforce those laws.

Under the drafted regulations, a 10% tariff rate will apply to imports from the European Union, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and several other nations. Conversely, goods arriving from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Brazil will be subject to a 12,5% tariff.

The USTR stated that the lower tariff rate will apply to products from nations that prohibit forced labor or have committed to doing so. The agency emphasized that states failing to establish such prohibitions or lacking the capacity to effectively enforce them will face the higher tariff rate.

Bloomberg reported that this step represents a continuation of President Donald Trump’s policy to reinstate across-the-board tariffs on all countries, which had previously been ruled unconstitutional.

The proposed tariffs are the result of investigations initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Commenting on the development, Deborah Elms, Head of the Trade Policy Group at the Hinrich Foundation in Singapore, said, “This is highly significant because Section 301 is an extremely powerful tool and is highly unlikely to be overturned. This opens the door to a range of new tariff and non-tariff measures.”

The report noted that the tariffs are being introduced at what could be a turning point for the global economy.

Financial markets are already navigating a sensitive period due to rising gas and oil prices driven by conflict in Iran.

The new tariffs will not take effect immediately. Before implementation, a review and evaluation period will be conducted, which may lead to modifications in the draft proposal.

According to the timeline reported by Bloomberg, written comments on the tariffs must be submitted by July 6. Additionally, the Section 301 Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on July 7.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer argued that forced labor practices in partner nations force American workers to compete on an unequal playing field. “We will no longer tolerate this unfairness,” Greer said.

On the other hand, the USTR proposed certain tariff exemptions that could affect apparel and textile imports. While these goods could enter the US at reduced tariff rates, quotas would be determined based on the respective countries’ existing textile exports to the US.

Beef, tomatoes, bananas, coffee, orange juice, and several other food products will be entirely exempt from the tariffs. Furthermore, double taxation will not be imposed on metals, specific fuel types, and chemicals that are already subject to other duties.

In May, the US Court of International Trade ruled that the 10% tariff on foreign imports promoted by President Donald Trump was unlawful. Defending the White House’s objectives following the court ruling, Trump characterized the judges as “radical left-wing” and remarked, “Nothing surprises me. We always find different ways. We make a decision and act in another way.”

In February, the US Supreme Court also ruled that tariffs established by Trump were contrary to the law. The court concluded that the president had exceeded his authority in imposing those duties. Trump, however, claimed that the court was under foreign influence.

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Google seeks approval to release 32 million mosquitoes in US disease-control project

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2 days ago

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02/06/2026

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Google is seeking federal approval to release nearly 32 million mosquitoes in California and Florida as part of a biological pest-control initiative known as the Debug project.

The little-known program aims to combat disease-carrying mosquitoes by releasing millions of sterile male mosquitoes into the environment, an approach designed to stop “bad bugs with good bugs.”

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitoes are classified as the world’s deadliest animals. Of the more than 3,500 mosquito species that exist globally, only Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya, diseases that sicken hundreds of millions of people each year.

In a statement published on the official website of the Debug project, Google described the issue as a difficult problem to solve, noting that many mosquito-borne diseases lack effective vaccines or treatments.

The statement argued that relying on pesticides is not a sustainable solution because such chemicals become less effective over time and can be toxic. It also said that eliminating standing water alone is insufficient because it is impossible to identify every breeding site used by mosquitoes.

For those reasons, Google said a new approach is required and that it found a solution in what it describes as “good” mosquitoes of the same species.

The project website explains the method as follows:

“Good bugs are the same mosquito species as the bad bugs that spread disease. Our good bugs are male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium found in nature. This bacterium prevents them from producing offspring with wild female mosquitoes. Male mosquitoes do not bite and cannot spread disease, so the good bugs will stop the bad bugs from reproducing. Over time, fewer bad mosquitoes will remain.”

Scientists involved in the Debug project emphasized that the technique relies entirely on a naturally occurring bacterium, contains no chemicals or toxins, and does not involve genetic modification.

Researchers said similar approaches have been used safely for decades to control other pests. They added that the Debug team is combining scientific and engineering expertise with support from international partners in an effort to suppress disease-carrying mosquito populations.

Project scientists said their approach differs from previous eradication programs because it applies the Sterile Insect Technique on a larger scale through the use of data analytics, sensors and automation.

According to information published in the project’s frequently asked questions section, program officials are working closely with national and local governments, community leaders and research institutions.

Officials said they meet with residents in areas targeted for deployment before operations begin in order to better understand local concerns and priorities.

Google is therefore continuing to pursue federal authorization to implement the project in both California and Florida.

A notice published in the Federal Register shows that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing Google’s applications for an Experimental Use Permit under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

According to details contained in the filing, nearly 16 million mosquitoes would be released in Florida during the first year of the project.

A further 16 million mosquitoes would be released in California during the second year.

Members of the public can obtain additional information and submit comments through the federal rulemaking portal by visiting regulations.gov and entering docket identification number EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-3951.

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US Marines test lower-cost counter-drone system to reduce missile dependence

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3 days ago

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01/06/2026

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US Marine Corps personnel tested a new counter-drone defense system during military exercises held in the Philippines in April.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the system is designed to avoid the continuous use of expensive missiles and instead relies on a coordinated set of countermeasures.

The system consists of two armored vehicles known collectively as MADIS (Marine Air Defense Integrated System).

One vehicle is equipped with an advanced radar system, while the other carries the Stinger air defense missile system. Both vehicles are also fitted with a small cannon, a machine gun and electronic warfare equipment.

According to the report, MADIS is intended to provide military personnel with multiple options for engaging drones, including cannon fire, missiles and electronic warfare tools.

The objective is to reduce dependence on high-cost weapons when protecting military units and other strategic assets.

US Marine Corps officials told WSJ that one of the system’s most effective features is its ability to fire specially manufactured 30-millimeter ammunition equipped with precision fuzes that detonate as they approach a target.

Steven Sawyer, a former ammunition technician at the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, told the newspaper that 30-millimeter rounds are generally less accurate than missiles but are significantly cheaper to use.

Sawyer said that even if five such rounds were required to destroy a drone, the total cost would remain around $11,250.

By comparison, a single Stinger missile costs about $430,000, while Coyote interceptor missiles used in conflicts in the Middle East are priced between $100,000 and $125,000 each.

Sawyer added that 30-millimeter ammunition has proven effective against Shahed-family drones, which cannot be neutralized through electronic warfare methods.

At the same time, he stressed that US defense companies continue to face difficulties producing sufficient quantities of the ammunition. According to Sawyer, the precision fuzes are highly sophisticated electromechanical devices and only a limited number of manufacturers can produce them at scale.

WSJ noted that countering large numbers of inexpensive drones has become one of the most pressing challenges facing modern militaries.

The US military has encountered the problem directly during operations in the Middle East, where it has been forced to expend limited stocks of extremely costly precision-guided munitions.

Previously, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Chinese scientists had developed a combat algorithm known as HG-STR based on a “kill them all” concept.

The algorithm was said to enable swarms of fixed-wing drones to autonomously scan the battlefield and destroy enemy targets even if communications are disrupted and lines of sight are obstructed.

In April, The New York Times, citing three sources within defense and intelligence agencies, reported that the Pentagon assessed Russia’s and China’s drone development programs to be more advanced than those of the United States.

The assessment regarding China’s drone capabilities was reportedly based on analysis of a military parade held in China in September 2025.

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