US officials have expressed concern over China's growing influence in Mexico, warning of the potential risks to security and critical industries.
What happened
US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson accused China of welcoming instability along the US-Mexico border and using business incentives to foster economic dependence and disorder in Mexico. Johnson made the comments at the Milken Institute's Global Investors' Symposium in Mexico City, where senior American officials linked Mexico's economic development to security and the future of North American trade.
Ricardo Pita Macedo, the State Department's deputy assistant secretary for North America, also delivered a warning about Chinese involvement in sensitive industries, stating that Chinese companies cannot be trusted with critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, or natural resources.
Mexico's Congress has given final approval to legislation expanding government scrutiny of foreign acquisitions in sensitive industries, which would require additional review for foreign investors seeking more than 49% ownership of a Mexican company operating in sectors such as energy, mining, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or critical infrastructure.
US officials are promoting greater American participation in Mexico's energy and manufacturing industries, with Pita Macedo identifying the US International Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank as potential financing partners.
