Marco Rubio Visits Costa Rica and Hardens Stance on China

Photo: Gage Skidmore Flickr.

During his inaugural tour as Donald Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio visited Costa Rica, reaffirming U.S. support for Rodrigo Chaves’ government in its fight against drug-related crime and backing the country’s restrictions on Chinese companies in the development of 5G networks.

Rubio praised Costa Rica as a strategic ally and highlighted its regional stability. However, he acknowledged the violence crisis fueled by drug trafficking and offered U.S. agency cooperation, including the DEA and FBI, in investigations against international criminal networks. His visit coincided with the assassination of a senior police officer, allegedly by drug cartel hitmen, further emphasizing the urgency of security collaboration.

On the geopolitical front, Rubio reinforced Washington’s commitment to curbing China’s influence in the region. He commended Chaves for his 2023 decree restricting Chinese companies from participating in 5G infrastructure projects and warned that U.S. authorities would take action against officials who favor foreign actors deemed threats to cybersecurity. This stance has been criticized by the Chinese Embassy in San José, labeling it political interference.

Unlike the Biden administration, Rubio did not address previous cooperation initiatives such as the push for microprocessor industry development or the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), which includes Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.

Rubio’s visit to Costa Rica aligns with a broader U.S. strategy to counter China’s presence in Latin America, echoing similar pressure applied on Panama regarding the interoceanic canal. After his stop in San José, Rubio continued his tour in Guatemala, further reinforcing the new White House policy for the region.

Main Source:

Rubio ofrece a Costa Rica ayuda contra el narcotráfico y busca frenar a las tecnológicas chinas – El País

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