WASHINGTON (Realist English). The U.S. military is closely monitoring dozens of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects across Latin America, viewing them as potential assets that could support Beijing’s military operations, a senior commander told Congress.
General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), said the Pentagon is tracking 23 port developments and 12 space-related facilities in the region and considers all of them to have possible dual-use capabilities.
“All dual-use,” says SOUTHCOM chief
Speaking during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. military posture in the Western Hemisphere, Donovan said the nature of these projects raises strategic concerns regardless of their stated civilian purpose.
“I consider them all dual-use,” Donovan said, noting that even facilities built for commercial or scientific use could be repurposed to support Chinese military activities.
He added that the distinction between civilian and military infrastructure is less relevant than the potential for such assets to be used operationally.
Focus on space and ports
According to Donovan, the 12 space-related facilities are primarily located in the southern cone of South America, although he did not specify the countries involved.
The broader network of port projects is also under scrutiny due to their potential role in logistics and maritime operations.
Concerns over critical minerals
Donovan also highlighted China’s expanding involvement in the extraction and processing of critical minerals in Latin America.
He warned that this growing presence could pose a long-term risk to the U.S. defense industrial base by increasing reliance on supply chains influenced by Beijing.
Strategic competition intensifies
The comments reflect rising U.S. concern over China’s economic and technological footprint in Latin America, as Washington increasingly frames infrastructure investment in the region through a national security lens.