China’s rising clout in Latin America setting off alarm bells: US general
China’s rising clout in Latin America setting off alarm bells: US general
China’s rising clout in Latin America setting off alarm bells: US general
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:
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.
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 problem
Fvck Tankies and Wankies.
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).
Well, let's see... USA gave us the Juntas, took a piss on our technological developments, overthrew every president that opposed them or opposed their freaking corporations... China is paying for the renovations of our whole railroad system.. they are gonna keep it and tax us for it when they find out we can't afford paying them back... they already knew we wouldnt pay them, BAD CHINA
Both USA and china arent aimed to improve our lives but china's investments are actually doing so. In the particular case of my failed country, china is the only reason why we arent dividing by zero each time we do a cash count at the central bank
Don't get me wrong, I despise the Chinese government and sociopolitical system, they are a threat to democracy and to the western culture as a whole and i know that they are just putting the noose around our necks.. but I totally get why a lot of people here would rather give china a chance than run back to the US toxic relationship. I mean, please lower the belt if you are thinking of calling us back and tell us that this time you have changed.
Me, i think latin america and specially the south cone should close ties with the EU.
Sorry if this comment comes a little sassy