The Implications of China’s Growing Involvement in Latin America

The People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s engagement in the Western Hemisphere is increasingly focused on Latin America. Following the 2016 U.S. elections, PRC President Xi Jinping traveled to Ecuador, Chile, and Peru and signed a $2.2 billion petroleum export agreement with Venezuela. PRC support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a new wave of Chinese investment in Brazil, and Chinese arms sales in the region are cause for concern throughout the Americas. As the PRC seeks to expand its political and economic clout in Latin America, what can be done to draw attention to and counter its growing influence? What are the strategic implications for Latin America and the United States of the PRC’s political, military, and commercial activities in the region? On October 18, Hudson Institute’s Center for Latin American Studies hosted a presentation by Dr. Evan Ellis, a research professor of Latin American Studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. Dr. Ellis join