Background on Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, recently visited Mexico to tackle several pressing issues. These included dismantling cartels, curbing fentanyl trafficking, illegal migration, reducing the trade deficit, and countering malicious extracontinental actors. Although not named directly, China is the dominant and most influential extracontinental force in Mexico.
China’s Involvement in Money Laundering
According to a U.S. Treasury Department report, Chinese money laundering networks were involved in handling $312 billion between 2020 and 2024. These networks are global and widespread, as stated by Andrea Gacki, Director of the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN): “These networks launder funds for Mexican drug cartels and participate in significant illicit money-smuggling operations within the U.S. and globally.”
China’s Connection to Fentanyl
In July, Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese national allegedly linked to the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, mysteriously fled a day before his extradition request to the U.S. Known as Brother Wang, Zhi was a crucial intermediary in distributing chemicals for fentanyl and methamphetamine production. Investigations suggest he operated in the U.S., Latin America, China, and Japan.
China, Technology, and Espionage
Huawei, a telecommunications company banned in the U.S. and several European countries for suspected military espionage ties, continues to operate in Mexico. The company and others have a strong presence in critical infrastructure like ports, airports, and other systems.
The U.S. has campaigned against Huawei due to espionage and disruption risks. As a result, Panama has replaced many of its telecommunications equipment with U.S. technology, and Spain recently canceled a multimillion-dollar contract involving Huawei due to concerns in Washington and Brussels.
Satellite Cooperation and Chinese Influence
Another factor straining Mexico-U.S. relations is satellite cooperation with China. Recently, CAS Space launched a rocket carrying satellites built by Mexican company ThumbSat.
For China, the space sector is not merely symbolic or soft power; it’s a strategic security and military competition area with the U.S. Despite China’s claims of peaceful and technological intentions, its government scheme allows for civil-military fusion, making all technology dual-purpose and potentially dangerous.
Unequal Trade Relationship
China sells significantly more to Mexico than it buys, with Mexico exporting $4.592 billion to China between January and June of this year while China sold $62.127 billion worth of goods to Mexico. This lopsided and disadvantageous trade relationship harms Mexico’s commercial ties with its northern neighbor.
China is not a friend to Mexico or anyone else.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marco Rubio? Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State who recently visited Mexico to address various issues.
- What are the main topics discussed during Rubio’s visit? The topics included dismantling cartels, curbing fentanyl trafficking, illegal migration, reducing the trade deficit, and countering malicious extracontinental actors.
- Why is China considered a significant extracontinental force in Mexico? China’s influence stems from its involvement in money laundering networks, connections to fentanyl production, and its strong presence in critical infrastructure through companies like Huawei.
- What concerns does the U.S. have regarding Huawei? The U.S. is wary of Huawei due to suspected military espionage ties and potential disruption risks.
- How does China’s space cooperation with Mexico affect U.S.-Mexico relations? The U.S. views China’s space sector as a strategic competition area, raising concerns about civil-military fusion and dual-purpose technology.
- What is the impact of the unequal trade relationship between Mexico and China? The lopsided trade relationship harms Mexico’s commercial ties with the U.S., as China sells significantly more to Mexico than it buys.
