Gates not worried about spreading China influence in Latin America
Despite China’s aggressive efforts to build influence in South America by offering arms and training, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said last week the U.S. is not seeking to counter Chinese influence in the region.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates in El Salvador on the first leg of a five-nation tour of Latin America, under the shadow of Venezuela's rearmament efforts and its growing ties with Iran, Russia and China.
AFP/Jose Cabezas
Asked if he is seeking to “counterbalance” Chinese influence, Gates said it is “not particularly” a subject he has considered. “The focus has really been on further strengthening our relationships with them,” Gates said of the South American militaries and leaders he will meet during a trip to the region.
The statements show that the current defense secretary has a benign view of China, unlike his predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld, who was concerned about the growth of a non-democratic communist power.
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The commander of the U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for military activities in South America, warned last year that China is stepping up military training because of restrictions on military training imposed by Congress.
"Other nations are moving in. The People's Republic of China has made many offers, and now we are seeing those who formerly would come to the United States going to China," said Gen. Bantz J. Craddock.
Craddock told a Senate hearing that Latin American military leaders have told him that they need more U.S. involvement. The absence of involvement "opens the door for competing nations ... who may not share our democratic principles," he said.
China is providing training and weaponry that is likely to increase its influence and undermine U.S. influence.
