The US is keeping a close eye on China s one-on-one time with its neighbours, defence officials say Christopher Woody Sailors on the Chinese-flagged ship Cosco Shipping Rose hold Panamanian and Chinese flags during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Panama Canal, December 3, 2018. Chinese engagement with Latin American countries has increased across the board, with growing investments in industry and infrastructure as well as military relationships. China doesn t have a military presence in the region, but US defence officials are watching closely as Beijing courts military officials from across the region.
Officials across the US government are watching China s dealings with the US s Latin American neighbours closely, including officials from the US Defence Department.