USA, China, Russia: competition in Africa, Latin America and the Pacific

After Niger’s military cooperation with the United States came to an end, the US army is now trying to predict the future of its anti-terrorist operations in the Sahel region. Al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked jihadist groups operate in the area. The American base in northern Niger was previously used for both manned and unmanned surveillance missions. Experts suggest that Niger’s decision highlights the reduced US influence in the region. In response, Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Russia for security support.

The US authorities have decided to renew financial aid to the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau for over 20 years, with over USD 7 billion in aid. The aid is crucial for the health, education, and infrastructure sectors, which are strategically important in the face of the rivalry between the Pacific islands and China. The United States will ensure security and may use the territories of the aforementioned countries, which have a maritime area larger than the continental United States, to operate bases and conduct military exercises.

In the first two decades of the 21st century, China’s trade with the countries of the Americas increased 26 times to USD 315 billion. Meanwhile, the United States has paid little attention to Latin America and the Caribbean for years. China is exploiting its economic involvement in the region to gain access to vital natural resources, such as lithium, and to persuade countries to loosen their relations with Taiwan.