China Creeping Into America’s Backyard
China, apparently not content with the economic conquest of the U.S., is moving into America’s backyard, a development that U.S. officials say they are not concerned about, according to AFP.
Over the past decade, China has stepped up trade and investment with the Western Hemisphere, especially Latin America.
For Centuries, America has feverishly sought to maintain its sphere of influence in its own backyard.
Starting with fifth U.S. President James Monroe, American presidents have viewed interference with states in the Americas as acts of aggression that required American intervention.
The Monroe Doctrine, subsequently followed by each administration, was mainly used to prevent European powers from expanding their influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Up through the Cold War, the threats almost entirely originated from Europe – Spain, Russia, Portugal, etc.
However, those world powers have faded and have been replaced by China, the growing Asian giant, which is now looking to throw its weight around in Latin America.
U.S. officials seem to have abandoned the Monroe Doctrine to a degree, as evidenced by their indifference to China’s growing influence in the region.
“It is certainly not a concern, it is certainly not a threat,” Arturo Valenzuela, Arturo Valenzuela, the U.S. State Department’s top official for Latin America and the Caribbean, said, according to AFP.
In the past decade, China has increased trade in the region by 10 percent. China’s trade with the region reached $143 billion in 2008.
Not only is China trading more with the region, but it is investing billions in South American nations, giving it a permanent footprint.
According to The Associated Press, China has invested $2 billion in Ecuadorian energy, oil, telecommunications and agricultural projects. The Asian nation has also loaned billions to Brazil and Venezuela.
“China’s engagement, investment and trade with the countries of the Western hemisphere… helps to strengthen the economies and provide employment for people in these countries,” Valenzuela said, according to AFP.
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