House member argues Monroe Doctrine revival counters China in Latin America

A member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, argues that reaffirming the Monroe Doctrine is the ideal America First strategy to counter Chinese expansion and transnational crime in the Western Hemisphere. The op-ed, published by Fox News, asserts that U.S. security is directly tied to regional stability and that current policies under President Donald Trump represent a necessary shift toward prioritizing American interests in the hemisphere.

The author highlights specific military and intelligence actions as evidence of this strategic pivot. The Pentagon has deployed elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Panama for jungle training and joint exercises, a move described as a step toward strengthening the Shield of the Americas initiative. Additionally, the administration is shifting MQ-9 Reaper drones from U.S. Africa Command to U.S. Southern Command to support surveillance operations in Colombia and Ecuador. These aircraft are intended to track trafficking networks across remote jungles, borders, and maritime routes, aiming to dismantle criminal networks at their source before they reach American communities.

Beyond drug trafficking, the piece identifies growing Chinese influence as a primary strategic threat. The author, who recently visited Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia with a congressional delegation, states that Beijing has expanded its economic and strategic footprint through investments in ports, mining, and critical infrastructure. A central example cited is the Port of Chancay in Peru, built and operated by Chinese state-owned COSCO. The author claims that while the port may benefit Peru's economy, China's control of such critical infrastructure raises security concerns regarding intelligence collection and potential military use.

Diplomatic efforts are also framed as part of this counter-strategy. The author met with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro in Peru, noting his coordination with Peruvian defense officials and Southern Command commander General Francis Donovan. This collaboration targets narcoterrorist organizations in the Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (VRAEM) region. The text positions these actions as results-driven engagement that strengthens American diplomatic leadership without requiring the U.S. to act alone.

The argument concludes that foreign policy must produce tangible benefits for American taxpayers by countering Chinese influence and helping allies confront shared threats. The author advocates for demanding accountability in foreign assistance, ensuring partners contribute their fair share, and directing resources toward initiatives that deliver measurable national security results. The core premise remains that a secure Western Hemisphere is essential to a secure United States, requiring renewed commitment to hemispheric sovereignty against hostile foreign powers.