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Commands warn China and Russia are expanding footholds in Western Hemisphere; SOUTHCOM urges more presence and economic tools
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Summary
U.S. combatant commanders told the House committee China and Russia are increasing economic, diplomatic and military influence in Latin America and the Caribbean and urged sustained security cooperation, presence and U.S. investment alternatives to Belt and Road projects.
Combatant commanders and Department of Defense officials told the House Armed Services Committee that China and Russia are expanding their presence across the Western Hemisphere and that the United States must increase presence and economic alternatives to maintain influence.
Admiral Alvin Halsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, testified that China has increased investments and dual‑use projects in the region — from ports to telecommunications and critical‑mineral extraction — and that Russia continues military ties with Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. "China, our patient threat, continues to its methodical incursion into our shared neighborhood," Halsey said. He added that Chinese investments can become "predatory and opaque" and that partner countries often ask the United States for a visible, reliable presence and security cooperation.
Committee members singled out Panama as an example of shifting alignments; witnesses noted Panama's decision to leave the Belt and Road Initiative and described U.S. efforts to offer alternatives. Admiral Halsey recommended economic tools — such as the Development Finance Corporation, Ex‑Im Bank and the Office of Strategic Capital — and stepped‑up security cooperation, including maritime domain awareness and training, to counter malign influence.
General Guillot and other witnesses emphasized that partnerships with Canada and other allies remain central to homeland defense in the North. Several members raised concerns that trade and diplomatic friction with allies could undermine cooperation; commanders repeatedly described bilateral military relationships, particularly NORAD, as operationally strong.
Ending note: witnesses urged sustained, persistent presence, partner capacity building and U.S. economic engagement to push back against Chinese and Russian influence in the hemisphere.
