The Trump administration is set to increase global spending by $175.8 million for an anti-China initiative aimed at countering Chinese influence in Central America and the Caribbean. Last week, the administration notified Congress of the “Countering CCP Control of Caribbean and Central America Undersea Cables project.”

The project focuses on combating Chinese influence in countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti. Funds will be allocated to support the replacement of undersea telecommunications cables in these regions.

A document reviewed by The Associated Press states, “The United States must respond to the CCP’s [Chinese Communist Party] growing economic, technological, and diplomatic leverage around the world which undermines our national interests.”

This funding increase follows cuts made last year by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which, along with agencies like the Agency for International Development and Voice of America, contributed to a decline in American presence overseas. This reduction coincided with China’s expanded spending on state-run media, local language targeting, and pro-Beijing messaging.

President Trump has also cautioned international counterparts against establishing stakes in Latin America through the creation of a political alliance known as the Shield of Americas, which comprises more than a dozen countries.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China’s activities in these regions “is not about wooing or rivaling anyone, but about safeguarding world peace, promoting global development, upholding international order and building a community with a shared future for humanity,” according to AP.

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