Controversial proposal raises questions and reflects global disputes
Ricardo Fan – DefesaNet
Amid rumors and debate, China’s supposed interest in the Alcântara Base raises questions of sovereignty, technology and international pressure. Over the last few days, a piece of information has gained prominence on news portals (MSN): China is said to have offered Brazil an agreement involving the donation of Chengdu J-10 fighters – modern multi-role fighters – in exchange for access to the Alcântara Launch Center (CLA), in Maranhão. However, the veracity and viability of this proposal remain under debate, surrounded by speculation and uncertainty.

What is the Alcântara Base?
CLA is a strategic infrastructure for space launches, widely recognized for its location close to the equator. This advantage allows it to save fuel on satellite launches, making it one of the most attractive locations for space activities in the world.
Since 2019, Brazil has had a technological safeguards agreement with the United States, which regulates the use of the base. This agreement prevents countries that are not signatories to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), such as China, from using the CLA infrastructure. Thus, the very existence of this treaty would be a significant obstacle to any Chinese proposal.
The rumor about the agreement with China
The information was also reported by the MSN Notícias portal, which points out that China would be interested in entering into partnerships that would allow it to use the Alcântara Base. According to the publication, the aim would be to expand its space presence in Latin America, with possible agreements involving technology and military resources. The article points out that this move reflects the growing dispute between China and the United States over influence in the region.
Information about the Chinese proposal was published on portals such as Click Petróleo e Gás, which claimed that the Asian giant intended to expand its space influence in Latin America. The supposed counterpart would be the modernization of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) by donating Chengdu J-10 fighter jets.
However, analysts in the defense press suggest that this information is nothing more than a rumor, considering the history of diplomatic relations between Brazil, China and the United States. In addition, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has focused its efforts on the integration of Saab Gripen fighters, acquired from Sweden, as a central element of its fleet modernization program, which makes an abrupt change of direction unlikely in this context.
How Donald Trump’s return to power could influence
With Donald Trump elected again to the presidency of the United States and about to take office on January 20th, the political context could directly influence any debate on the use of the Alcântara Base by third countries. During his first term, Trump adopted a tough stance towards China, including protectionist measures and technological sanctions. A possible return to power by Trump could intensify pressure on Brazil to keep in line with US interests.
The technological safeguards agreement was approved in 2019, during the administration of Jair Bolsonaro, who maintained a close relationship with the US. Under Trump, surveillance over the use of the base and its implications for US national security would likely be stepped up, further limiting the possibility of collaborations with China.
Although the Chinese proposal raises questions about the expansion of its geopolitical influence in the region, its viability faces significant barriers, such as the current agreement with the United States and the FAB’s own priorities. So far, there has been no official confirmation from the Brazilian or Chinese governments about the existence of this agreement, which reinforces the possibility that it is just a rumor.
Whatever the truth, the case highlights the strategic importance of the CLA on the international stage and its status as a critical asset in the power struggles between China and the United States. Brazil, therefore, will continue to be a point of attention on the global geopolitical chessboard.