# Plain Language Summary: Assessing China's Presence and Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean Act of 2021

This bill requires the U.S. State Department to investigate and report back to Congress about how China is expanding its power and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Essentially, Congress wants a detailed assessment of what China is doing in America's backyard and how it might affect U.S. interests. The State Department has to coordinate with intelligence agencies, the Defense Department, and other relevant government offices to put together this comprehensive report within six months of the bill becoming law.

The report needs to cover a lot of ground. It should identify which Latin American and Caribbean countries have the closest relationships with China, what trade deals and partnerships they've made, and whether China is investing heavily in infrastructure projects like ports or telecommunications. The bill also asks for information about Chinese military activities in the region, whether China is providing weapons or military training, and details about Chinese intelligence operations. Additionally, the report must examine China's role in problems like drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as any propaganda or disinformation campaigns China is running. The State Department also needs to assess whether Chinese investments in things like ports or telecommunications could have military purposes or allow China to spy on American communications.

Beyond just gathering information, the bill requires the State Department to brief Congress within 30 days of submitting the report about how the United States plans to respond to China's growing influence. This briefing should explain what policies, legal tools, and money the U.S. government would need to effectively counter China's efforts in the region. The whole point is to give Congress a clear picture of China's activities and help develop a strategy to protect American interests in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Assessing China’s Presence and Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean Act of 2021

Murphy, Stephanie N.

Assessing China's Presence and Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress an assessment of China's efforts to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean and how these efforts affect U.S. interests. The report shall include (1) a list identifying the countries that maintain the closest diplomatic, military, and economic relationships with China; (2) an analysis of which countries have received foreign assistance from China, including access to COVID-19 vaccines, and the conditions attached to that assistance; (3) a detailed description of sales or transfers of Chinese defense articles to countries in the region; and (4) an assessment of China's relationship with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.