The United States is accelerating its diplomatic and strategic offensive across Latin America, pushing China into a secondary role in the region. Beijing is losing its grip on rare mineral access in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, while American F-16 fighter jets now patrol the skies over Peru and Argentina.
Washington has also reinforced its commitment to Panama’s port sovereignty, and for the first time, established a Space Force Southern command to deepen regional cooperation and counter China’s space ambitions. This echoes the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, updated under the current administration to block Communist China’s expansion in the Americas.
Critical Minerals Agreements
Chile and the US signed a memorandum of understanding to expand collaboration on critical minerals from exploration through processing. Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez said the deal “aims to strengthen resilient and secure supply chains, move towards greater value generation and create the right environment to attract and develop investment.”
In Bolivia, Assistant Secretary Caleb Orr and Mining Minister Marco Calderon signed a similar critical minerals MOU in Washington. The State Department’s Economic Affairs Office said the US “is committed to working with Bolivia under the leadership of President Paz to bring investment that drives prosperity in both the U.S. and Bolivia and secures critical mineral supply chains.”
In Brazil, USA Rare Earth’s $2.8 billion acquisition of Serra Verde Group marks a major step toward US independence from Chinese rare earth metals. According to Bloomberg, about one-third of future production from the new venture is expected to come from heavy rare earth elements—a category currently dominated by China.
In February, the U.S. Trade Representative announced the U.S.-Mexico Action Plan on Critical Minerals, aimed at developing coordinated trade policies to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.
Military Hardware Shift
The US has not only reclaimed leadership in strategic minerals but also in security. Peru acquired the most modern F-16 fighter jets in Latin America, replacing its Russian-made MiG-29s from the 1990s and shutting out China’s JF-17s. These F-16s complement nine Black Hawk helicopters supplied by the US, as well as plans to modernize the military base in Callao—just 80 kilometers from the Chancay port operated by Chinese-linked companies.
Thanks to US leadership, China and Russia have been effectively locked out of new military equipment purchases in Latin America. Argentina bought 24 F-16 jets instead of China’s JF-17s. Colombia added 17 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets. Brazil acquired another 15 F-39 Gripens manufactured domestically, and Uruguay obtained six fighter jets built in Brazil.
Space and Ports
The US also established Space Force Southern, an initiative to strengthen its alliance with the Americas in space. In recent years, China has exploited this sector by co-sponsoring 11 space bases in the region. The current administration is the first to put a stop to this hemispheric threat.
In Panama, the US reaffirmed its unwavering support against China’s commercial harassment of Panamanian-flagged vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a sovereign Western hemisphere is “non-negotiable,” and that the administration is “deeply concerned by China’s targeted economic pressure” regarding ports in Panama and will “stand in solidarity” with the nation. “Any attempts to undermine Panama’s sovereignty are a threat to us all,” he added.
The US is reconfiguring the geopolitical map in the Americas. Agreements on rare earth materials, F-16 sales, the new Space Forces South, and port security mark the resurgence of a firm and reliable leadership—trusted by partners, feared by adversaries. Yes, the US is back.
