Brazil-Argentina tensions rise over Bolsonaro's US escape via Argentina

Brazil summoned Argentina's chargé d'affaires on Thursday after defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fled to the United States via Argentina, escalating tensions between the South American powers. The diplomatic protest followed Bolsonaro's passage through the neighboring country en route to Miami. Argentine President Javier Milei backed Bolsonaro in the election won by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday and has not recognized the leftist's victory, unlike other regional Trump allies. Bolsonaro faces corruption and money laundering investigations in Brazil and has rejected the results as fraudulent without evidence. Relations under Milei and Lula deteriorated in July when Brazil withdrew its ambassador after Milei insulted Brazilian officials, calling Lula a "thief" and "convict." Milei's spokesman said the government rescued Bolsonaro "from the claws of communism," while Trump approved visas for Bolsonaro and his family.