The Chinese Communist Party has quietly moved into Latin America since 2000 while the US was distracted by the Middle East and now Eastern Europe. Xi Jingpings growing influence in South America and the Caribbean continues. From Mexican Cartels to political unrest around the country. Even though Mexican Cartels are worse than you think, China in. Latin America is more dangerous than you think.
China is now their largest trading partner in many instances. Starting in the 2000 allowing them to corner strategically important lithium mines, further isolate Taiwan diplomatically, and pressure nations into following their authoritarian vision of the future. Based on World Economic Forum's data you can see trade between China and Latin America from $12 billion in 2000 to 315 billion in 2020.
An economic and security review commission reported Chinese military leaders visited with their counterparts in Latin America 215 times between 2002 and 2019.
