US military frames Chinese infrastructure in Latin America as dual-use, overlooking regional development needs
Original framing: “US military tracks 23 Chinese port projects in Latin America, general tells Congress” — South China Morning Post
The US military's framing of Chinese infrastructure as a security threat echoes historical patterns of US intervention in Latin America, such as the Monroe Doctrine and the Cold War-era destabilization of leftist governments. These precedents show a consistent pattern of securitizing foreign influence to justify US dominance.
The US military's characterization of Chinese infrastructure in Latin America as inherently 'dual-use' reflects a securitization framework that overlooks the region's development needs and the agency of Latin American governments.
This framing is rooted in historical patterns of US interventionism and reinforces a geopolitical rivalry that marginalizes local voices and indigenous knowledge. A more systemic approach would involve multilateral oversight, regional economic integration, and the inclusion of marginalized perspectives in infrastructure planning. By shifting from a security-centric to a development-focused lens, the US and Latin American nations could foster cooperation rather than competition, aligning with broader global trends toward inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.