VIDEO: Ricketts Highlights Threats Caused by CCP Investments in Latin America

March 15, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted the threats caused by the Chinese Communist Party’s investments in Latin American countries like Brazil.

“Over the last two decades, China has been allowed extensive access to tighten its grip across Latin America, including Brazil,” said Senator Ricketts. “There are obvious concerns that China will continue to leverage these economic ties to expand influence in the region… However, there seems to be little interest from the administration in negotiating more ambitious trade agreements or making significant investments.”

Ricketts’ comments came during questioning of Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Affairs. The hearing, on “The Future of U.S.-Brazil Relations”, took place in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

On March 28, Brazil’s new president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will travel to Beijing, China to meet Xi Jinping. China is Brazil’s largest trade partner and has invested over $66 billion in Brazil since 2010. Brazil has been China’s top source of soybeans since 2013.

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