Colombia, unlike other Latin American countries, was until recently almost immune to China’s penetration. However, this has changed significantly in recent years. According to data from the Bank of the Republic of Colombia, in 2022 direct investment from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) tripled in the Andean country. The [ … ]
China
The Illusion of China’s Investments
The seemingly large presence of Chinese companies in Central and South America is causing concern among social and political analysts, environmental news site Mongabay Latam reported. The reality may closer to an illusion, only useful to the Asian nation and its purposes. “The presence of Chinese companies in the region [ … ]
Australian Intelligence Report Identifies China as Major Backer of Cybercrime
Australia’s digital spy agency has identified China as the major backer of serious hacking against Australian companies and critical infrastructure. The Australian Signals Directorate, or ASD, on November 15 released its cyber threat report for the past year. It stated that serious attacks on federal government agencies or critical infrastructure [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 [ … ]
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 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, [ … ]
Contrary to Putin’s Claim, China’s Belt and Road Poses Environmental Risks
Russia President Vladimir Putin received a red-carpet treatment in Beijing in late October at China’s 3rd Belt and Road Forum. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative — an ambitious undertaking to boost connectivity and trade across the world via Chinese infrastructure projects. At the [ … ]
Nicaragua Increases Dependence on China
Since the launch of its Belt and Road Initiative a decade ago, China has sought to expand its geopolitical and commercial influence in Latin America, a region rich in natural resources, Voice of America reported on October 17. Beijing’s reach expanded in the region through predatory loans, trade agreements, and [ … ]
Meta Takes Down Chinese Influence Operation on Social Networks
In late August, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, dismantled a massive network of fake accounts associated with Chinese security forces, as well as the pro-China influence operation known as Spamouflage that promotes Beijing’s interests, according to an August 26 Meta cyberthreats report. “Such propaganda exerts a strong influence on [ … ]
NOAA Report Singles Out China for Illegal Fishing
The report of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Improving International Fisheries Management 2023, singles out China for its involvement in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. “We are facing an insatiable and predatory nation in the world’s seas,” Euclides Tapia, professor of International Relations at the University of [ … ]
China Strengthens Relationship with Nicaragua
China and Nicaragua have signed a free trade agreement (FTA), thus deepening their bilateral and economic relations, after the Daniel Ortega-Rosario Murillo regime broke off ties with Taiwan and aligned itself with Beijing. “We must look carefully at the new political and economic dynamics that China has been presenting for [ … ]