Publication

In this monograph, the author argues that China's pursuit of long-term strategic objectives is to increase its presence in Latin America, with serious national security implications for the United States. Sustained Chinese economic growth requires ever-greater quantities of basic commodities, therefore China has begun to aggressively court Latin America as its principal source of commodities outside Asia. This monograph asserts that the expanded Chinese trade and investment presence in the region will ultimately give China a stake in the politics of the region and may tempt it to become involved in the region's security affairs. Chinese engagement with Latin America will make the nation both a powerful competitor and a potential partner for the United States in the region.