Latest news with #U.S.SouthernCommand
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Trump is scoring huge victories in Latin America
May has been an important month for the advancement of President Trump's 'America First' policy in Latin America. Oil agreements with the dictatorial regime in Venezuela were canceled. Narcoterrorism charges were filed against Mexican cartels for the first time. The Bahamas said no more to human trafficking in Cuba, Argentina rejected an invitation from Communist China and Ecuador signed an energy alliance with Israel. Venezuela, a key ally of Iran, will no longer benefit from oil agreements signed with the Biden administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, 'The U.S. will not waver in our support for Venezuelans' fighting for democracy and the safe return of all wrongfully detained Americans.' This is good news for Latin America, but also for Israel, Iran's foe. Argentina said no to China. President Javier Milei announced last September that he would travel to Beijing, but he did not. Argentina instead sent a low-level delegation and ultimately rejected signing the declaration of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum. The U.S. has strengthened its economic, political and military alliance with Argentina, one of the richest countries in Latin America, known for its extensive oil and mineral resources. Ecuador's new government has strengthened its alliance with the U.S. and with Israel. In a region influenced by Iran and China, things are changing under new American leadership. President Daniel Noboa is promoting intelligence cooperation against drug trafficking, an energy alliance and the opening of a new office in Jerusalem — a dramatic change for an old friend of Palestine. Paraguay remains firm in its relationship with the U.S. and with Taiwan. The South American country has weakened China's strategy of displacing Taipei's presence in Latin America. A few days ago, Japan and Paraguay signed an agreement elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership — a severe blow to China and a powerful message of support for the U.S. and Taiwan. China and its ports are losing ground. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and Adm. Alvin Holsey, chief of U.S. Southern Command, signed an agreement to provide expertise and technical assistance for the modernization of the Quetzal Port. The agreement will enhance the port's role as a strategic commercial node for the region, strengthening security and upgrading services. The strategy is in line with U.S. efforts to ensure port and maritime safety in several Latin American countries, including Panama. Guatemala is also a key ally of Taiwan and a strong supporter of U.S. migration policy. A new milestone in the fight against drug trafficking was also recently achieved: For the very first time, Mexican drug cartels are being charged with narcoterrorism. On May 13, the Department of Justice announced charges against the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel for narcoterrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking. This is a key step forward in the fight against the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin into the U.S. Fighting human trafficking is another key of effort of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bahamas has decided to review its support for the Cuban dictatorship. American leadership has been key in getting the Bahamas to pledge to directly pay Cuban doctors, ending the regime's human trafficking business. These changes show the way for a new approach on the relationship with Cuba. America is back — not only bringing order and safety to the U.S.-Mexico border, but strengthening its relations with Latin America. Drug cartels are feeling greater pressure, Iran is no longer visiting the region with warships and China is desperate to maintain its partnerships in the Americas. These changes are helping to build stronger ties with the U.S., Israel and Taiwan. Trump's 'America First' policy is also a 'Latin America First' policy, creating greater prosperity, security and wellbeing for all. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University's Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Trump is scoring huge victories in Latin America
May has been an important month for the advancement of President Trump's 'America First' policy in Latin America. Oil agreements with the dictatorial regime in Venezuela were canceled. Narcoterrorism charges were filed against Mexican cartels for the first time. The Bahamas said no more to human trafficking in Cuba, Argentina rejected an invitation from Communist China and Ecuador signed an energy alliance with Israel. Venezuela, a key ally of Iran, will no longer benefit from oil agreements signed with the Biden administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, 'The U.S. will not waver in our support for Venezuelans' fighting for democracy and the safe return of all wrongfully detained Americans.' This is good news for Latin America, but also for Israel, Iran's foe. Argentina said no to China. President Javier Milei announced last September that he would travel to Beijing, but he did not. Argentina instead sent a low-level delegation and ultimately rejected signing the declaration of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum. The U.S. has strengthened its economic, political and military alliance with Argentina, one of the richest countries in Latin America, known for its extensive oil and mineral resources. Ecuador's new government has strengthened its alliance with the U.S. and with Israel. In a region influenced by Iran and China, things are changing under new American leadership. President Daniel Noboa is promoting intelligence cooperation against drug trafficking, an energy alliance and the opening of a new office in Jerusalem — a dramatic change for an old friend of Palestine. Paraguay remains firm in its relationship with the U.S. and with Taiwan. The South American country has weakened China's strategy of displacing Taipei's presence in Latin America. A few days ago, Japan and Paraguay signed an agreement elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership — a severe blow to China and a powerful message of support for the U.S. and Taiwan. China and its ports are losing ground. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and Adm. Alvin Holsey, chief of U.S. Southern Command, signed an agreement to provide expertise and technical assistance for the modernization of the Quetzal Port. The agreement will enhance the port's role as a strategic commercial node for the region, strengthening security and upgrading services. The strategy is in line with U.S. efforts to ensure port and maritime safety in several Latin American countries, including Panama. Guatemala is also a key ally of Taiwan and a strong supporter of U.S. migration policy. A new milestone in the fight against drug trafficking was also recently achieved: For the very first time, Mexican drug cartels are being charged with narcoterrorism. On May 13, the Department of Justice announced charges against the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel for narcoterrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking. This is a key step forward in the fight against the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin into the U.S. Fighting human trafficking is another key of effort of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bahamas has decided to review its support for the Cuban dictatorship. American leadership has been key in getting the Bahamas to pledge to directly pay Cuban doctors, ending the regime's human trafficking business. These changes show the way for a new approach on the relationship with Cuba. America is back — not only bringing order and safety to the U.S.-Mexico border, but strengthening its relations with Latin America. Drug cartels are feeling greater pressure, Iran is no longer visiting the region with warships and China is desperate to maintain its partnerships in the Americas. These changes are helping to build stronger ties with the U.S., Israel and Taiwan. Trump's 'America First' policy is also a 'Latin America First' policy, creating greater prosperity, security and wellbeing for all. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense University's Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - The US is crushing China in real time in the Americas
This month, the U.S. is ratifying its commitment to review and reverse China's nefarious presence in the Americas and beyond. The dismantling of a Chinese hacking system in Guatemala, the strengthening of military cooperation in Argentina, the interruption of a space project in Chile, the failure of an anti-Trump BRICS Summit in Brazil, and the strengthening of military alliances on the Caribbean are some of the compelling examples of how America is breaking China's influence in the U.S. backyard. Oh yes, none of these key achievements were televised on the daily news but still is happening and is changing the geopolitical map in the western hemisphere. A joint cybersecurity meeting between the Government of Guatemala and the U.S. Southern Command identified that the entire information technology system of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been hacked by cyberespionage groups based in China. But why Guatemala? Because it is the only country in Central America that has said 'no' to China and remains firm in its relationship with Taiwan. This has resulted in a series of economic and political retaliation by China. Thanks to new leadership in the United States, Beijing cyber guerrillas are being exposed and expelled. In a new milestone, the U.S. is supporting a more free and safer Guatemala, helping the Central American nation to fight back against global threats and building a more secure digital infrastructure for regional prosperity. A Chilean space observatory's collaboration from China has also been reviewed and reversed. In 2023, China's communist regime had reached an agreement to participate in the Transient Objects Monitoring Project, an educational initiative that involves the National Astronomical Observatory of China and the Catholic University of Northern Chile. This was another potential Chinese Trojan horse. The communist regime was rubbing its hands together and seemed to have bypassed all official security controls. But the Trump administration's accession has changed everything. The project has been halted and subjected to a detailed and exhaustive inspection. The Chilean government has said that the scope of the project needs to be analyzed in full detail, and even its institutional framework must be reviewed. The U.S. is also strengthening its presence and power in the Caribbean. A military exercise known as Tradewinds 25 began in Trinidad and Tobago a few days ago, bringing together 26 allied nations. The U.S. is also helping to save lives and building strong partnerships. Just a few days ago a tour by the U.S. Navy Hospital Ship USNS Comfort was announced. China has never offered such cooperation in this region. The hospital ship will visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The tour will help strengthen U.S. presence in the region and weaken communist efforts such as the so-called medical brigades, a modern slavery scheme promoted by Cuba, China's most important ally in the Caribbean. In Argentina, the U.S. has also reinforced its crusade against communist China and highlighted the need to promote greater security cooperation. The head of the U.S. Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, visited military installations in Argentina, some of which were once on the verge of falling into Chinese hands. Not anymore. The new U.S. leadership is not looking back. It is closing the doors to China influence in the commercial arena and beyond. The head of the U.S. Southern Command emphasized that they are protecting vital maritime routes for global trade. Another clear example of how US leadership has weakened China's influence was seen in Brazil. The foreign ministers of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) attempted to issue a joint statement on President Trump's trade policies and the U.N. security Council. All failed; there was no joint declaration, but rather a marginal statement from Brazil, the host country. Although China continues to have influence and power in many countries, its influence is being weakened. Its leadership is being eroded. America is back, and it is not willing to continue ceding ground in the political, trade, security, and energy arenas. Perhaps these transformations are not making headlines, but they are making a huge difference. The geopolitical map is already changing. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the OAS, former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps and former alumni of the Security Seminar of the National Defense University and The Harvard and HarvardEx Leadership Course. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Hill
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
The US is crushing China in real time in the Americas
This month, the U.S. is ratifying its commitment to review and reverse China's nefarious presence in the Americas and beyond. The dismantling of a Chinese hacking system in Guatemala, the strengthening of military cooperation in Argentina, the interruption of a space project in Chile, the failure of an anti-Trump BRICS Summit in Brazil, and the strengthening of military alliances on the Caribbean are some of the compelling examples of how America is breaking China's influence in the U.S. backyard. Oh yes, none of these key achievements were televised on the daily news but still is happening and is changing the geopolitical map in the western hemisphere. A joint cybersecurity meeting between the Government of Guatemala and the U.S. Southern Command identified that the entire information technology system of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been hacked by cyberespionage groups based in China. But why Guatemala? Because it is the only country in Central America that has said 'no' to China and remains firm in its relationship with Taiwan. This has resulted in a series of economic and political retaliation by China. Thanks to new leadership in the United States, Beijing cyber guerrillas are being exposed and expelled. In a new milestone, the U.S. is supporting a more free and safer Guatemala, helping the Central American nation to fight back against global threats and building a more secure digital infrastructure for regional prosperity. A Chilean space observatory's collaboration from China has also been reviewed and reversed. In 2023, China's communist regime had reached an agreement to participate in the Transient Objects Monitoring Project, an educational initiative that involves the National Astronomical Observatory of China and the Catholic University of Northern Chile. This was another potential Chinese Trojan horse. The communist regime was rubbing its hands together and seemed to have bypassed all official security controls. But the Trump administration's accession has changed everything. The project has been halted and subjected to a detailed and exhaustive inspection. The Chilean government has said that the scope of the project needs to be analyzed in full detail, and even its institutional framework must be reviewed. The U.S. is also strengthening its presence and power in the Caribbean. A military exercise known as Tradewinds 25 began in Trinidad and Tobago a few days ago, bringing together 26 allied nations. The U.S. is also helping to save lives and building strong partnerships. Just a few days ago a tour by the U.S. Navy Hospital Ship USNS Comfort was announced. China has never offered such cooperation in this region. The hospital ship will visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The tour will help strengthen U.S. presence in the region and weaken communist efforts such as the so-called medical brigades, a modern slavery scheme promoted by Cuba, China's most important ally in the Caribbean. In Argentina, the U.S. has also reinforced its crusade against communist China and highlighted the need to promote greater security cooperation. The head of the U.S. Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, visited military installations in Argentina, some of which were once on the verge of falling into Chinese hands. Not anymore. The new U.S. leadership is not looking back. It is closing the doors to China influence in the commercial arena and beyond. The head of the U.S. Southern Command emphasized that they are protecting vital maritime routes for global trade. Another clear example of how US leadership has weakened China's influence was seen in Brazil. The foreign ministers of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) attempted to issue a joint statement on President Trump's trade policies and the U.N. security Council. All failed; there was no joint declaration, but rather a marginal statement from Brazil, the host country. Although China continues to have influence and power in many countries, its influence is being weakened. Its leadership is being eroded. America is back, and it is not willing to continue ceding ground in the political, trade, security, and energy arenas. Perhaps these transformations are not making headlines, but they are making a huge difference. The geopolitical map is already changing. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the OAS, former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps and former alumni of the Security Seminar of the National Defense University and The Harvard and HarvardEx Leadership Course.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Guatemala ministry says US embassy's Chinese hack report a years-old case
FILE PHOTO: Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words \"Cyber Attack\" in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo MEXICO CITY - The U.S. embassy in Guatemala said on Tuesday it found that China-based espionage groups had hacked the Central American nation's foreign ministry's computer system, but the ministry said this was an old case. The embassy said in a post on X that the hacking was discovered during a safety revision conducted by the Guatemalan government and the U.S. Southern Command, a military branch. Over the weekend, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo had attended a cybersecurity exercise, along with officials from the U.S. embassy and Taiwan, at which he said Guatemala was facing "active threats." Arevalo said such exercises had allowed the identification of "hostile attempts by hacker groups located in the People's Republic of China to penetrate the national cyber system." However, Guatemala's foreign ministry dismissed the U.S. embassy's report of a hack into its systems as old. "They are referring to an old case from September 2022. There has been no recent hack," it said in a statement. Earlier this month, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited nearby Panama where President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is seeking to "take back" the country's canal, a key global freight channel, after falsely claiming China operates it. Hegseth said China was a "malign influence" in the region. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
