Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 22, 2024, 02:20 PM
China Brazil Agreement: Amid discussions of Donald Trump's return to the White House, the possibility of a new trade war between the US and China has started to deepen. This time this tension is not limited to the economic or trade front, but its effect is clearly visible in the technical field as well. China has stepped up its preparations to compete with the US, and in this sequence, it has taken a step to challenge Elon Musk's company Starlink by entering into a major partnership with Brazil.China-Brazil Satellite Internet AgreementRecently, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an important agreement during his visit to Brazil. The agreement was signed between China's leading satellite internet company Spacecell and Brazil's state-owned company Telebras.Spacecell, which is considered the biggest rival of Elon Musk's Starlink, has promised to provide satellite internet service in Brazil through this partnership. Spacecell currently has 40 satellites in Earth orbit and plans to launch 648 more satellites in 14 months. It aims to install 15,000 satellites by 2030, which could make it a major player in the sector.Deal between Spacecell and TelebrasSpacecell has signed a preliminary agreement with Brazilian state-owned company Telebras. Under this, Telebras will make its data center and fiber-optical network available for Spacecell's use.Telebras President Frederico Sequeira Filho said, "We have signed an MoU, under which our infrastructure will ensure that Spacecell can operate smoothly in Brazil."Big blow to Elon Musk's StarlinkThis agreement between China and Brazil has directly challenged Elon Musk's Starlink. Starlink currently holds about 46% of the satellite internet market in Brazil. Spacecell's deal, especially to provide broadband service in rural and limited connectivity areas, could affect Starlink's key market strategy.Brazilian Communications Minister Juscelino Filho said the deal would help Brazil deliver fast and affordable satellite internet services. Spacecell aims to launch broadband services in Brazil by 2026.Tension between Musk and BrazilElon Musk's tension with the Brazilian government escalated this year when Brazil's Supreme Court ordered X (formerly Twitter) to block some rumor-spreading social media accounts in the country. Musk refused to comply, prompting the court to freeze Starlink's assets in Brazil.The dispute ended when Musk appointed a local official in Brazil, blocked the disputed accounts and paid a fine of $52 million. However, the incident weakened Musk and Brazil's relationship.Trump's return and global influenceThe prospects of Donald Trump becoming president again have brought the trade and technology competition between China and the US back into the spotlight. The trade war between China and the US was at its peak during Trump's presidency. Trump imposed several sanctions on Chinese companies and tried to maintain America's technological dominance.Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil and this agreement with Spacecell is part of China's strategy to challenge America's technological dominance.New chapter of international geopoliticsThis cooperation between China and Brazil will not only challenge Elon Musk's Starlink, but will also pose a new challenge to America's technological and trade policies.This time may prove to be difficult for Elon Musk and his companies, as China and other countries have their eyes on projects like Starlink. China's growing hold in Brazil is a warning to America not to let its influence weaken in Latin America.This technological and trade competition between America and China can become a major center of global politics in the times to come.