U.S. fears of China “taking over” countries and entrapping them in “debt traps” all while “corrupting political elites” should sound very familiar to African stakeholders who’ve heard for years identical concerns expressed about China’s engagement in their region — only this time, U.S. conservatives are focused on Beijing’s growing influence in the Latin America-Caribbean.
Look for right-wing U.S. politicians like the former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (who likely wants to be Secretary of State in a future GOP administration) to ramp up the rhetoric on China in the Americas next year as the 2024 presidential campaign gains momentum.
