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US declares Western Hemisphere a 'Homeland Security Zone' to counter China's growing influence
🇨🇳 China /Elections & Politics

US declares Western Hemisphere a 'Homeland Security Zone' to counter China's growing influence

From South China Morning Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The United States is reasserting its influence in the Western Hemisphere, designating it a "Homeland Security Zone" to counter China's growing presence.
  • This strategy, dubbed the "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine, signals a renewed focus on great-power competition in the Americas.
  • China responded by releasing a policy paper on Latin America, rejecting "hegemonism" and asserting its ties are not dictated by any third party.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it faces a complex global landscape where its relationship with China is a central challenge. This dynamic is particularly evident in the Western Hemisphere, a region long considered America's sphere of influence.

do whatever they wanted

— Donald TrumpTrump's dismissive response when asked about Brazil and Mexico drifting towards China during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Former President Donald Trump's earlier dismissiveness towards China's influence in Brazil and Mexico has given way to a more assertive stance. The White House recently declared the Western Hemisphere an American "Homeland Security Zone," a move officials framed as a modern interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, aimed at preventing rival powers, specifically China, from gaining control of strategic assets near U.S. shores.

blowing everyone away, including China

— Donald TrumpTrump's assessment of the United States' economic and technological dominance.

Beijing swiftly countered this declaration with its third policy paper on Latin America. While not directly naming the U.S., the paper condemned "hegemonism and power politics" and "unilateral bullying," emphasizing that China's regional partnerships are independent of any external influence. This exchange highlights the Americas' re-emergence as a key arena for global power competition, testing the limits of long-standing U.S. dominance.

Homeland Security Zone

— White House officialsThe designation given to the Western Hemisphere in a new U.S. strategy to counter rival powers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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