//The Wire//1800Z June 27, 2024//

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//BLUF: BOLIVIAN GENERAL LAUNCHES, FAILS COUP ATTEMPT. CHINA EXPELS FORMER DEFENSE MINISTERS FROM PARTY.//

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-International Events-

Bolivia: Yesterday afternoon, General Juan Jose Zuniga attempted to launch a military coup to overthrow the government of President Luis Arce. A small group of soldiers was successful in breaching the perimeter of the Presidential palace, but within a few hours the coup was put down. General Zuniga was arrested, and Arce remains President.

China: Two former Defense Ministers have been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (and allegedly prosecuted) on allegations of corruption. AC: This is likely a continuation of Xi Jinping’s quest to consolidate power, which many consider to be a necessity in case of a politically challenging event, such as the eventual invasion of Taiwan.

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Analyst Comments: Bolivia has recently begun work on expanding their lithium reserves, which some claim are the largest lithium deposits in the world. Bolivia just recently signed a billion-dollar agreement with China to build lithium processing facilities throughout the nation.

Analyst: S2A1

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