A new report by the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party warns that China is rapidly expanding its economic, technological, diplomatic, and military footprint across Latin America. The document argues that Beijing’s growing influence — driven by infrastructure investments, mineral acquisitions, telecom dominance, and strategic partnerships — poses long-term risks to U.S. regional leadership and global security balance.

“Pulling Latin America into China’s Orbit”

The congressional report, titled “Pulling Latin America into China’s Orbit,” presents a comprehensive review of China’s strategy in the Western Hemisphere. It states that the Chinese Communist Party is pursuing a systematic approach to integrate Latin American economies with its own through trade, infrastructure, and digital expansion.

Lawmakers describe this as more than economic cooperation — framing it as a geopolitical effort to shift regional alliances historically aligned with the United States.

Economic Integration & Belt and Road Strategy

At the center of China’s outreach is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Dozens of Latin American and Caribbean nations have joined the program.

According to the report:

Chinese firms have financed ports, highways, railways, and energy grids.
PRC-linked companies now operate or hold stakes in multiple port facilities.
Some projects are located near strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Panama Canal.

The committee warns that these investments may create long-term logistical leverage and potential dual-use (civilian and military) capabilities.

China has also become the largest trading partner for major South American economies including Brazil, Chile, and Peru, increasing economic dependency.

Race for Critical Minerals

A major focus of the report is China’s growing dominance over critical mineral supply chains.

The “Lithium Triangle” — spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile — holds more than half of the world’s known lithium reserves.

Chinese companies have:

Acquired stakes in lithium and copper mines
Secured long-term mineral purchase agreements
Strengthened supply chains for EV batteries and solar panels

The report cautions that this strategy could restrict U.S. and allied access to minerals critical for defense and clean energy industries.

Technology & Surveillance Expansion

Chinese tech firms such as Huawei and ZTE have secured major telecom contracts across the region.

The committee highlights concerns including:

Widespread 4G and 5G network deployment
Cloud infrastructure and data centers
“Smart city” surveillance systems with facial recognition

U.S. lawmakers warn that reliance on PRC-developed digital infrastructure could pose intelligence and cybersecurity risks during geopolitical crises.

Diplomatic & Strategic Moves

The report also outlines China’s diplomatic push to isolate Taiwan. Several nations — including Panama, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras — have switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in recent years.

The committee claims such shifts are often linked to investment pledges and trade incentives.

Additionally, concerns were raised about China’s involvement in regional institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank.

Security & Military Implications

A particularly sensitive issue is China’s growing military engagement.

The report points to:

Expanded military training exchanges
Increased defense equipment sales
A Chinese-operated space tracking station in Neuquén, Argentina

Lawmakers argue that such facilities could serve dual-use purposes, including space monitoring and intelligence gathering.

🇺🇸 A Call for Competitive U.S. Engagement

The committee concludes that simply urging Latin American nations to reduce ties with China is unrealistic without viable alternatives.

Instead, it recommends:

Expanded U.S. trade agreements
Increased development finance
Stronger diplomatic partnerships
Competitive infrastructure investment models

The report frames China’s advances as a direct challenge to U.S. national security and economic prosperity in the Western Hemisphere.

Final Verdict

The congressional report presents a clear warning: China’s expanding footprint in Latin America is strategic, multifaceted, and accelerating. From infrastructure and minerals to digital networks and diplomacy, Beijing’s engagement is reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape.

For the United States, the path forward will require sustained economic commitment, strategic vision, and meaningful partnerships — not just rhetoric — to remain competitive in its traditional sphere of influence.