The reach of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in major infrastructure projects in Colombia has increased considerably in recent years. The first line of the Bogotá Metro, the Regiotram commuter train, and the Mar 2 Highway are just some of the million-dollar contracts awarded to the Asian country. Projects [ … ]
Special Report


The Dragon Chases Its Tail
The findings of journalist Agustín Barletti’s sweeping investigation on China “China’s rampant penetration in Latin America is worrisome,” says Argentine journalist, writer, and editor Agustín Barletti after completing his most recent in-depth investigation: The Dragon’s Hunger. China’s Plan to Devour the World. After three years of study, and with an [ … ]

China’s Rapacious Port Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean
In recent years, China’s expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean has been a topic of discussion in the world’s major political and economic circles. And the reason is clear: China seeks to become the region’s main trading partner and leader over the rest of the world in the financing, [ … ]

China Goes after South America’s New Treasure: Lithium PART II
With a triple action of state investment, diplomacy, and geostrategic corruption, China is leading the race for lithium. This situation was discussed in the first part of this report, exposing the tactics of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to conquer the Andean countries rich in this metal. But what [ … ]

China Goes After South America’s New Treasure: Lithium PART I
With its vast salt flats, Latin America is rich in a metal that has become more sought after than gold: lithium. Known as white gold or the oil of the 21st century, this metal is now essential for energy transition and the booming market for electric cars. The so-called Lithium [ … ]

China’s Bet on Colombia, Seeking Its ‘Golden Age’ in Latin America
In the last two decades, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has played a fundamental role in the economies of Latin America. Between 2005 and 2017, China lent several countries in the region close to $136 billion. The amount exceeded what, for the same period, the World Bank, the Inter-American [ … ]

Colombian Gold Enriches Criminal Groups, Impoverishes Soil and Population
Colombia is currently the 16th largest gold producer worldwide and the third largest in Latin America, according to the Statista world ranking. In 2022 alone, the country exported 70.7 tons of gold worth $2.9 billion, according to figures from Colombia’s National Mining Agency. Following oil, coal, and coffee, gold is [ … ]

Global Public Perception of Russia’s Leadership Eroded Sharply in 2022
In the aftermath of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine last year, global attitudes toward Russia’s leadership have shifted dramatically, with large majorities of the population in dozens of countries reporting disapproval of the Kremlin. Data compiled from surveys of thousands of people in 137 countries and regions showed [ … ]

Highlights in China’s Development Spending
China’s influence continues to grow through global development and its Belt and Road Initiative. So what’s next? China’s vast overseas development spending has made Beijing one of the most sought-after financiers from countries around the globe. From 2000 to 2017, China’s loans and grants totaled $843 billion across 165 countries, [ … ]

China Displaces Taiwan in Latin America and Gains Greater Influence
Guatemala, Haiti, Belize and Paraguay are the only countries in the Americas that recognize Taiwan's independence; the rest maintain commercial and bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China, which is gaining more and more ground in Latin America. SAN SALVADOR - China's influence in Latin America has almost completely [ … ]

Spy Balloon Lifts Veil on China’s ‘Near Space’ Military Program
The little-noticed program that led to a Chinese spy balloon drifting across the United States this month has been discussed in China’s state-controlled media for more than a decade in articles extolling its potential military applications. The reports, dating back to at least 2011, focus on how best to exploit [ … ]

Virtual Violence: Terrorists, Criminals and Malign States Use Cyberspace as A Battlefield to Destabilize Society
ISLAMIC MILITARY COUNTER TERRORISM COALITION The internet is globally decentralized, which allows for anonymity and contributes to its use as a platform for illegal activities, including property crimes and the promotion of violent extremism. Against such a backdrop of susceptibility — the exploitation of the internet by extremists and terrorists [ … ]