As the global space race between China and the United States intensifies, Latin America is emerging as a significant player in this strategic competition. For decades, China has forged close ties with numerous Latin American countries in the space sector, offering access to satellite technology and promoting collaboration in space exploration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has only recently begun to recognize the importance of this region in the contest for dominance in outer space. With China’s growing influence in Latin America, the U.S. is facing new challenges, forcing Washington to rethink its strategy to maintain its leadership in this critical domain.
China’s engagement with Latin America in the space sector dates back to the 1980s, with a focus on building strong partnerships in satellite technology. Latin American nations, seeking technological advancement and autonomy, embraced Beijing’s offer to collaborate on satellite systems and other space-related projects. China is now a leading partner for several countries in the region, including Brazil, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and has also established cooperation with Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
One of the most iconic examples of this collaboration is the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program, which began in 1984. This long-term partnership laid the foundation for broader political and economic relations between the two countries. China’s engagement with Brazil in the space sector is notable for the number of jointly built satellites and the volume of investments made by both nations. As of 2023, the CBERS program has expanded with new satellite construction projects and plans for further collaboration through 2032. Beyond Brazil, China has also helped Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela acquire their first satellites, providing these countries with critical space capabilities. China has even played a central role in the creation of national space agencies, as seen in Venezuela, where China’s support facilitated the establishment of the Bolivarian Agency for Aerospace Activities in 2008. These partnerships have not only strengthened China’s influence in Latin America but also enabled these countries to benefit from cutting-edge satellite technology that enhances their strategic capabilities.
U.S. Efforts to Counter China’s Influence in the Region
While China has made significant inroads in Latin America’s space sector, the U.S. has been slow to respond. Historically, Latin America has been regarded as part of Washington’s sphere of influence, particularly in trade and security matters. However, when it comes to outer space, China has become the dominant partner for many Latin American countries, leaving the U.S. with limited engagement in the region’s space affairs.
The U.S. recognizes the strategic importance of Latin America in the broader competition for space dominance but has yet to formulate a coherent approach to counter China’s influence. The lack of an attractive U.S. alternative for space cooperation has allowed China to expand its foothold. Washington’s current strategy in Latin America has largely focused on defense and trade, while its engagement in space technology has been minimal compared to China’s proactive outreach.
U.S. policymakers are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential dual-use nature of China’s satellite collaborations in Latin America. For example, the installation of a deep space observation ground station in Argentina’s Neuquén province, a project supported by China, has raised alarms in U.S. defense circles. There are concerns that such facilities could be used for military or espionage purposes, threatening U.S. national security interests in the region.
To regain influence in the Latin American space sector, the U.S. must offer more compelling avenues for cooperation. This could involve expanding partnerships with Latin American countries in satellite technology, space exploration, and scientific research. Additionally, Washington could leverage its technological expertise to provide training programs and infrastructure support for Latin American space agencies. Such initiatives would help to counterbalance China’s influence and strengthen the U.S.’s role in shaping the future of space governance.
Latin America’s Role in Space Governance and Geopolitics
Beyond bilateral space cooperation, China is also seeking Latin American support to shape the international governance of outer space. Beijing’s long-term strategy aims to challenge the current U.S.-led global space order by promoting alternative frameworks for space exploration and resource management. Latin American countries, many of which are members of China’s multilateral initiatives such as the BRICS Joint Committee on Space Cooperation, play a crucial role in advancing China’s vision for space governance.
The involvement of Latin American nations in China’s space initiatives has implications for U.S. strategic interests. For example, China has sought to enlist Latin American countries to sign memorandums of understanding for its International Lunar Research Station project, positioning these countries as key players in an alternative space governance regime. This effort runs parallel to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, which aim to establish principles for the peaceful exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies. The fact that some Latin American countries are signing both agreements highlights the complexity of their geopolitical calculations.
Latin American countries, while benefiting from Chinese cooperation, are not necessarily aligning themselves with either of the two global powers. Instead, these nations are using the space race as an opportunity to assert their strategic autonomy. By collaborating with both China and the U.S., Latin American governments are enhancing their own capabilities and leveraging partnerships to advance their national interests. This balancing act complicates U.S. efforts to contain China’s influence, as Washington must navigate a region that is increasingly asserting its independence on the global stage
The Future of U.S. Engagement in Latin American Space Affairs
For the U.S. to remain competitive in Latin America’s space sector, a shift in strategy is essential. The U.S. must expand its diplomatic and technological outreach to the region, offering Latin American countries opportunities for meaningful collaboration that rival those presented by China. This could involve joint satellite development programs, partnerships in space exploration, and cooperation in areas such as space security and environmental monitoring.
Moreover, the U.S. must recognize the importance of multilateral engagement in shaping the future of space governance. Latin American countries are increasingly involved in China-led initiatives aimed at reconfiguring the global space order. To counter this trend, Washington should strengthen its engagement with Latin American nations in international forums, promoting transparency and cooperation in space activities while emphasizing the peaceful use of outer space.
The space race between China and the U.S. is no longer confined to the traditional power centers of the Northern Hemisphere. Latin America is emerging as a key battleground in this contest, with China consolidating its influence through decades of collaboration. The U.S. faces a critical moment to recalibrate its approach, engaging with Latin American countries on their own terms to maintain its leadership in space and prevent China from further expanding its geopolitical influence in the region.
