Leland Lazarus, Founder and CEO of Lazarus Consulting, LLC, said that the United States and its allies must offer alternatives in infrastructure, technology, education, and climate to maintain their credibility as partners in the Americas. This statement was made in an analysis.
“If the U.S. and its allies hope to remain credible partners in the Americas, they must offer clear alternatives—on infrastructure, technology, education, and climate—that match the scope and staying power of China’s vision,” said Lazarus. “Otherwise, Washington risks ceding the initiative to China not just for the next three years, but for many years to come.”
China has rapidly increased its influence across Latin America through expanding trade, investment, and diplomatic ties. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Beijing’s engagement now spans a range of sectors including energy, infrastructure, mining, and technology. More than twenty countries in the region have joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative since 2017. This strategic expansion has positioned China as the largest trading partner for several Latin American countries, reshaping the region’s economic and geopolitical landscape.
According to the Financial Times, global steel output reached 343.7 million metric tons in early 2024, with China responsible for more than half of this production. As Chinese exports exceed domestic demand, surplus steel is redirected to Latin America. This has prompted local industries to advocate for tariffs and stricter trade enforcement measures. These shifts underscore the complex balance between economic opportunity and trade defense in the region.
SeafoodSource reported that in April 2025, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil enacted new restrictions on steel imports amid increasing Chinese competition. This development coincided with a 2023 China-Chile seafood trade agreement that expanded China’s access to Chilean aquaculture. It illustrates how economic partnerships are growing even as trade protectionism rises in other sectors.
Lazarus is also Vice Chair of the Fulbright Association’s Board of Directors. He holds a degree from The Fletcher School at Tufts University and is recognized for his expertise in cross-cultural communication.
