Si, Se Habla Mandrin: China's Growing Influence in Latin America

This monograph examines how China s unique employment of its elements of national power using the diplomatic, information, military, and economic (DIME) paradigm is influencing its relationships with countries throughout Latin America. Ultimately, understanding the nature and dynamics of China s employment of the DIME principles of national power casts light on the strategic challenges the United States will face as its partner nations to the South create new alliances with America s most rapidly growing peer competitor. This paper explores the strategic implications of Republic of China s engagement in the region. It seeks to examine whether China is a benign global competitor or a subtly rising adversary in the Western Hemisphere. Lastly, it provides an overview and analysis of the strategic implications of China s engagement in Latin America and demonstrates the need to strengthen United States partnerships in the region to face this challenge.