Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez | Official U.S. House headshot
Chairman Carlos Gimenez convened the initial hearing of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security to evaluate the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Western Hemisphere. This session, part of the 119th Congress, aims to address concerns about China's strategic investments and their potential impact on U.S. national security.
Gimenez highlighted that "the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) growing presence in the Western Hemisphere" poses a significant threat, with China increasing its influence over key maritime infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean. He emphasized that this development gives Beijing leverage over trade routes and extends its economic, political, and military reach.
President Trump and senior officials have previously warned about these risks, particularly concerning ports near the Panama Canal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these concerns during a recent visit to Panama, describing China's presence as an "unacceptable risk."
Through state-owned enterprises like China Merchants Port Holdings and Hutchison Port Holdings, China has secured access to strategically important ports in the region. In Panama alone, approximately 14% of all U.S. seaborne trade passes through the canal annually.
Gimenez stressed that while Panama has announced an audit of Hutchison Ports, more decisive action is necessary to prevent foreign adversaries from controlling critical infrastructure vital to U.S. security.
He further noted that China's influence extends beyond Panama to other countries such as Cuba, Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador. The PRC's activities in these nations include port investments and telecommunications projects that raise serious security concerns for the United States.
The hearing also addressed how China's presence exacerbates illicit activities like drug trafficking into American communities. Gimenez pointed out that companies like COSCO Shipping are linked to China's military apparatus and continue operating within U.S. ports.
Gimenez concluded by urging Western Hemisphere partners to distance themselves from PRC enterprises if they wish to maintain security cooperation with the United States.
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