The US risks getting “out-competed” by China in Latin America, particularly in telecommunications and other critical infrastructure, setting off alarm bells for the US, a senior American military official said on Friday.
General Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command, delivered her observation on security challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean and their potential implications on US security during a discussion hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.
Chinese outreach was “absolutely global and right under our nose, so close to our homeland”, said Richardson, whose command provides contingency planning and security cooperation with the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
“What the People’s Republic of China is doing looks to be investment, but I really call it extraction … and I’d say that it’s in the red zone.”
While there was no Chinese base in the Western hemisphere now, Richardson said, Beijing’s extensive infrastructure investment through its Belt and Road Initiative pointed to the potential for one in the future – a development that would “significantly heighten US security concerns”.
The Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday defended its Belt and Road Initiative.
Its projects were marked by comprehensive dialogue, mutual collaboration and shared advantages, said embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu, “illustrated by the 420,000 jobs it has created and the acceleration of economic growth in participating countries”.
“The BRI is well-received among the world most importantly because it is an initiative of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,” Liu added.
“China never imposes its will on other countries, nor does it slip any selfish geopolitical agenda into the initiative.”
The general’s remarks on Friday come at a time of escalating disquiet in Washington over alleged Chinese military expansion near the US.
The Wall Street Journal, quoting confidential US intelligence, reported in June that China was on the brink of establishing a spy base in Cuba.
The US: destabilizes multiple South American countries for fucking fruit companies
China: actually invests in them and improves their standard of living, and South American countries develop a favourable view of China
The US:
Imperialists: Imperialize.
Tankies: Oh yes please, more daddy Mao.
Imperialist Murderers: Invade & murder innocent civilians for no other reason than hurt egos
Wankies: Thank you for your service. Freedom for ya’ll. Tankies are the problemFvck Tankies and Wankies.
“Wankies”? That’s so fetch.
You can just say fuck imperialists, that covers China, Russia, America, and France/UK however irrelevant they’re becoming.
Yeah… That second phrase is just as naive as the first.
Anyway, I don’t think anybody in South America believes either of those powers have their best interests at hearth.
How does de cool aid taste?
(Not saying the US is good, but China has no interest in improving anything other than their bottom line and geopolitical influence, don’t kid yourself).
This is just hilarious. America has been a plague on its southern neighbors throughout it’s entire history. The tankies around here are a bit extreme, and China definitely isn’t the good guy… Trying to pretend they’re any worse than America in their relationships with South American countries is laughable though. “Extraction” is exactly what America’s goal has been with South America forever.
China never imposes its will on other countries, nor does it slip any selfish geopolitical agenda into the initiative
Hahahaha. Sure. Except when they cancel trade deals with Australia and bully small European countries. I’m SURE this is just free money out of the goodness of dictator Xi’s heart.
The main problem is corruption in these small countries. The government officials get back hand deals from China and then the populace are left with the debt.
If China is overtly investing in your infrastructure, you can be sure there’s corruption involved.
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E.g. right now there is a post on how China is refusing help Uganda build a new Railroad to help Uganda. Because it will help Uganda, not help China steal from Uganda.
Jesus, the level of projection.
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I dunno, it seems like Saudi Arabia has been abusive towards the US for a while, so I won’t be sad to see them move away
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Hey pot? I got kettle on the line here, it’s for you
"China never imposes its will on other countries, nor does it slip any selfish geopolitical agenda into the initiative.”
What a crock of shit lmao
Not the most reliable source according to https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/south-china-morning-post/
Overall, we rate The South China Morning Post Left-Center biased and Mixed for factual reporting due to poor sourcing.
