Francisco Seixas da Costa, former Portuguese ambassador to the United Nations, recalled in an interview with DN the memories of September 11, 2001, when the United States was targeted in the largest terrorist attacks in its history. The diplomat personally witnessed the events from New York City, where he was serving as Portugal's permanent representative to the UN.
According to Seixas da Costa, the September 11 attacks marked a fundamental turning point in the global order. The diplomat stated that "the hyperpower was attacked at its core and the world changed," acknowledging the profound impact that day had on international geopolitics and the United States' position in the global arena.
In his analysis, Seixas da Costa noted that September 11 ultimately proved "very favorable to China," as the United States' need to concentrate its attention and resources on combating international terrorism allowed China to gain greater maneuvering space in the international landscape during that period.
