Thank You, Trump. Xi Jinping is ROFL

The Chinese Premier finally has a clear shot at realizing his long-held dream.

On November 15, 2024, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping inaugurated the $3.6 billion deep-water Port of Chancay in Peru, a monumental project funded and constructed by China as part of its expansive Belt and Road Initiative.

Erik Bethel, a former U.S. representative at the World Bank during Trump's first administration, highlighted the strategic implications of the port: "When the Port of Chancay links with Brazil, it will be a wake-up call for all of us... If you're not paying attention to this, you should start. It's a significant development."

Laura Richardson, the former head of U.S. Southern Command, said the port can be used as a "dual-use facility" that could serve the Chinese navy.

China's influence in Latin America and the Caribbean is deepening, underscored by billions in investments aimed at overtaking the United States as the region's top trading partner. This strategic engagement is not solely focused on commerce; it also has significant implications for regional security dynamics. For example, the majority of chemicals used by drug cartels in Mexico are imported from China, showcasing the extensive and complex nature of China’s influence across the Americas.

DEA