The Lucas's Attack, a military strike initiated by the Government of the People's Republic of China (Taiwan), led by General Chih-Yu Kuo, took place in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 20, 1996. The attack targeted the government of Chile, which had declared war on Taiwan on August 15, 1996. The PLAs, including the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Liberation Army of China (PAC) teams, launched the strike, which involved approximately 500,000 soldiers, including air forces, ground forces,Football World News Station and special forces.
The attack was a significant military operation, but it was met with skepticism from many in the public and military circles. Public reactions were divided. A majority of the general public, including residents of São Paulo, expressed disappointment, labeling the attack as a military strike against the Chilean government. They criticized the PLAs for their lack of preparedness and for failing to counter the Chilean government's military forces.
However, a minority of public figures, including officials and journalists, expressed reservations, acknowledging the PLAs' capability but stating that the attack did not constitute a direct military strike against the Chilean government. The PLAs themselves denied any involvement in the attack, stating that it was a diplomatic move to provoke a response from Chile.
The PLAs, however, emphasized that the attack was part of their broader strategy to maintain peace between themselves and Chile. They stated that the attack was authorized by the Chinese government and that the PLAs were prepared to engage with Chile in future exchanges. The PLAs also expressed that the attack was intended to demonstrate their capability to counter the Chilean military forces, which had been preparing for a military conflict with Taiwan.
The diplomatic response to the Lucas's Attack was met with skepticism. The Chinese government, however, acknowledged the PLAs' capacity and preparedness and stated that the attack was an attempt to mediate a diplomatic process. The Chinese government also supported the peace process and expressed hope that the attack would not escalate tensions between China and Chile.
The Lucas's Attack had a lasting impact on the bilateral relations between China and Chile. It highlighted the challenges of maintaining peace between two major powers with long-standing ideological and geopolitical differences. The attack also underscored the importance of diplomatic communication and the potential for military strikes to resolve conflicts.