Admiral warns of China's growing influence in Latin America
September 12, 2024 | Armed Services: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, key military leaders discussed pressing issues related to national defense, modernization of air capabilities, and the growing influence of China in Latin America. The dialogue highlighted the need for enhanced military resources and strategic partnerships to address both regional and global security challenges.
During the session, a senator inquired about the operational use of military assets in the Caribbean, revealing a current shortfall in resources, with fewer than a dozen units available. The military leaders acknowledged the necessity for additional assets to bolster capabilities in the region.
The conversation then shifted to the recapitalization of fighter jets at Selfridge Air Force Base. A senator emphasized the importance of balancing modernization with the retention of existing fourth-generation fighters. The military leaders expressed their commitment to evaluating this balance, particularly in light of the increasing threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Concerns were raised about China's expanding influence in Latin America, with 22 countries in the Southern Command area joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Military leaders underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement and military exercises to counteract China's efforts and to educate regional partners about the risks associated with Chinese investments.
The meeting also addressed the role of the Department of Defense in supporting border security and combating drug trafficking. Both military leaders affirmed their commitment to prioritizing these efforts, despite acknowledging that the Department of Defense is not the lead agency for border enforcement. They discussed the impact of National Guard deployments on readiness and the importance of maintaining training for potential overseas conflicts.
Finally, the leaders recognized the challenges posed by the lengthy foreign military sales process, which hampers timely support for allies in combating drug cartels and managing migration issues. They emphasized the need for a more efficient process to strengthen partnerships in the region.
Overall, the meeting underscored the military's strategic focus on modernization, regional partnerships, and the need for a coordinated response to emerging global threats.
During the session, a senator inquired about the operational use of military assets in the Caribbean, revealing a current shortfall in resources, with fewer than a dozen units available. The military leaders acknowledged the necessity for additional assets to bolster capabilities in the region.
The conversation then shifted to the recapitalization of fighter jets at Selfridge Air Force Base. A senator emphasized the importance of balancing modernization with the retention of existing fourth-generation fighters. The military leaders expressed their commitment to evaluating this balance, particularly in light of the increasing threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Concerns were raised about China's expanding influence in Latin America, with 22 countries in the Southern Command area joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Military leaders underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement and military exercises to counteract China's efforts and to educate regional partners about the risks associated with Chinese investments.
The meeting also addressed the role of the Department of Defense in supporting border security and combating drug trafficking. Both military leaders affirmed their commitment to prioritizing these efforts, despite acknowledging that the Department of Defense is not the lead agency for border enforcement. They discussed the impact of National Guard deployments on readiness and the importance of maintaining training for potential overseas conflicts.
Finally, the leaders recognized the challenges posed by the lengthy foreign military sales process, which hampers timely support for allies in combating drug cartels and managing migration issues. They emphasized the need for a more efficient process to strengthen partnerships in the region.
Overall, the meeting underscored the military's strategic focus on modernization, regional partnerships, and the need for a coordinated response to emerging global threats.
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