Expanding the Rebalance: Confronting China in Latin America

Abstract

ABSTRACT: China's expansion into Latin America might well outflank US rebalance in Asia. The United States needs a broader strategic option, one capable of ensuring access to markets and of reducing future strategic risk to US interests in Latin America. ********** The rise of Chinese power in Asia-Pacific region and in Latin America is a growing concern for US strategy. Recent US focus on Middle East has facilitated Beijing's political, economic, and military expansion from Pacific into South America. A new global economy has opened opportunities for growth and development with China and others in Asia-Pacific. Some countries have responded with commitment to China in terms of economic trade and investment. In addition, governments such as Peru, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica have pledged international political support for Chinese interests, arms sales, and military training and education cooperation. These developments challenge US strategy, as Chinese presence in both regions is arguably part of an intensifying competition between Beijing and United States. This developing trans-Pacific interdependency between two regions creates one integrated problem rather than two separate regional ones. The growing cooperation between governments in both regions and China presents political, economic, and military challenges that call for incorporation of Western Hemisphere into a Asia-Pacific strategy. Evan Ellis notes, the principal strategic imperative for United States historically has been, and continues to be, region's geographic and economic connectedness to this country. (1) First, different political interests of United States and China can create tension and instability, or deny US access in both regions. Second, extensive trade and investment agreements across both regions are creating economic interdependencies and undermining US influence, and generating further political, social, and economic tensions. Third, People's Republic of China's (PRC) military posture and forward presence in South China Sea aims to improve its anti-access and area-denial (A2AD) capacity. The PRC's military expansion through arms sales and other means provide security alternatives for Latin American governments and support Chinese military power in Asia-Pacific region. For these reasons, rebalancing to Asia does not adequately address growing interdependencies between two regions and Beijing's pursuit of its interests. Accordingly, United States must adapt its regional approach to Asia. Cross-regional cooperation in policy areas outside trade and investment is emerging independently, such as military training and arms sales, which demands a more holistic and synchronized approach. Without a broader Pacific strategy, non-economic cooperation can hinder United States and security and prosperity of its allies and partners. The United States should expand rebalance to Asia into a trans-Pacific strategy that incorporates Latin America. Without a transpacific strategy, a US regional approach will only create strategic risk, and enable China to draw on its influence in Western Hemisphere to support its interests elsewhere. This article examines political, economic, and military challenges posed by China's increasing influence in both regions, and discusses why a new trans-Pacific strategy can best address them. Political Challenges Beijing's political actions in Latin America and Asia-Pacific region are creating an integrated cross-regional problem for US interests rather than two separate regional ones. In response to Chinese actions in latter, United States has strengthened its regional relations and defense cooperation with Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Meanwhile, China's actions have resulted in more political influence (in Western Hemisphere) with traditional and non-traditional US partners, potentially undermining US values and relationships. …