Admiral Holsey Calls for Collective Action Against Beijing’s Expansion
U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom) head Adm. Alvin Holsey addressed the South American Defense Conference “SOUTHDEC 2025” in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, underscoring the increasing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in the region. Holsey’s remarks came amid growing concerns over China’s expansionist policies, which he asserts are aimed at exporting an authoritarian model, extracting resources, and establishing dual-use infrastructure throughout South America, reports 24brussels.
Holsey emphasized that China’s strategic encroachments could disrupt trade, threaten national sovereignty, and challenge the neutrality of Antarctica. This statement reflects a broader trend of U.S. officials voicing concerns about Chinese influence in Latin America.
During his second visit to Argentina this year, Holsey also pointed to the menace of transnational criminal organizations, which he stated generate approximately $358 billion annually via illicit activities, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling. He urged regional governments to transform dialogue into “collective action” aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving surveillance of maritime routes, and bolstering law enforcement capabilities to dismantle organized crime networks.
Roosevelt Ditlevson, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for Western Hemisphere affairs, reiterated the seriousness of the situation, highlighting how Chinese companies have acquired land and critical infrastructure, effectively gaining control over strategically important sectors such as energy and communications. He stated that China’s influence also extended to controlling vital military intelligence and space facilities, which could endanger maritime access points essential to regional economies, notably the Panama Canal.
Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri reaffirmed the country’s allegiance to the United States, emphasizing that the South Atlantic serves as a crucial pathway for global economic activity. The SOUTHDEC Conference, initiated in 2009, gathers military leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay, alongside observers from nations including Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK.
This year, multiple high-ranking officials from President Donald Trump’s administration have visited Argentina, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in April, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in May, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in July. These visits signal a sustained U.S. commitment to strengthening ties with regional partners amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
