Costa Rica’s 5G Network to Exclude China and Russia
Costa Rica is moving forward with preparations for its 5G spectrum auction, a year after a cyberattack caused chaos in its government computer systems. As a protective measure, the government approved a decree banning firms from countries that have not agreed to an international cybercrime convention, leaving tech companies from [ … ]
US Marine Corps and Brazilian Naval Infantry Strengthen Strategic Partnership
In a show of international cooperation and a commitment to enhancing military partnership and capabilities, the Brazilian Marine Corps recently hosted an annual planning conference with representatives from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South October 23-27. The Operational Naval Infantry Committee (ONIC) brought together senior leaders, planning officers, and enlisted members [ … ]
Iran Has an Eye for Antarctica
Four months after Iranian Navy warships undertook a trip that took them along the coasts of Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, among many other countries, its Naval chief announced plans to establish a base in Antarctica “for military and scientific purposes.” “Iran’s rapprochement with Latin America seeks to demonstrate that [ … ]
China under Scrutiny over Bogotá Metro Project
An ongoing investigation into alleged bribery of politicians has cast a shadow over the progress of the Bogotá Metro construction project in Colombia, led by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). The uproar adds to a series of challenges facing the consortium with its international projects. “It is crucial for countries [ … ]
US, Brazilian Soldiers Improve Combined Readiness during CORE 23/Southern Vanguard 24
With the goal of increasing interoperability, U.S. and Brazilian forces gathered in the Brazilian Amazon to carry out exercise Southern Vanguard 24, November 1-16. For two weeks, U.S. Army soldiers and their Brazilian counterparts carried out air assault operations, urban operations, and weapons familiarization in the rough jungle terrain. The [ … ]
China Seeks to Increase International Disinformation
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is attempting to alter the international information environment in its favor, a U.S. State Department special report indicated. In this process, Beijing allocates significant amounts of money to assemble a global information system that promotes its propaganda and facilitates censorship and the dissemination of [ … ]
China, Threat to Institutions, Democracy, Transparency, says International Republican Institute Analyst
The presence of the People’s Republic of China in Latin America is extremely dangerous for transparency and democratic institutional structure in the countries of the region due to China’s affinity with dictators and its willingness to make corrupt deals with politicians in Latin America, said Matt Schrader, International Republican Institute [ … ]
Guatemala Beefs Up Its Border with Mexico Against Drug Trafficking Cartels
The violence engendered by criminal narcotrafficking groups has prompted the Guatemalan Army to mobilize 2,000 soldiers to protect its border with Mexico, Spanish news agency EFE reported. On October 20, the Guatemalan Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the troops are deployed in the municipalities of Tacaná, Ixchiguán, and Tajumulco, [ … ]
US Donates Command Tents to Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo donated on October 27 four command tents equipped with at least 135 mobile stretchers, blankets, and sheets to the Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center (COE). The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo Patricia Aguilera characterized the donations as a clear example [ … ]
Leaders of Pacific Navies Discuss Interoperability and Cooperation
Senior leaders from 23 international navies met at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) 2023 Workshop at the Peruvian Naval School in La Punta, Lima. The objective of the academic event was to address the strengthening of interoperability and cooperation of institutions in the Pacific Ocean. “The Pacific is an [ … ]
China State-Run Construction Company Raises Concern
State-run company China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) performs poorly worldwide with infrastructure projects, including in Latin America. Its works and actions in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, and other countries received much criticism for the use of low-quality materials, contamination in protected areas, lack of site maintenance, delays, unfair expropriation, [ … ]
Costa Rica Boasts New K-9 Agents, Guide Officers, Trainers
Thanks to the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Public Security, as of September 29, Costa Rica has 17 new drug and explosives detection canine agents, guide officers, and specialized instructors, who will strengthen the security work the various police forces carry out in the country. James [ … ]