Chinese planes hedge against the danger that the Trump administration might cripple Colombia’s leftist government—and Western-built air force—through economic sanctions.
The United States finds itself in an unenviable position as a great world power. Its own hemisphere is crawling with enemy agents, notably those belonging to China. The Biden administration put out vague condemnations of Chinese influence in Latin America, but did little as pro-American governments in the region fell to left-wing challengers in the so-called “Pink Tide.”
One such pro-American regime that was ousted from power was the government of Colombia—possibly America’s closest ally in Latin America.
Colombia Is Emblematic of Latin America’s Anti-American Shift
Recall that Colombia fought an armed conflict against communist guerrillas for all of the second half of the twentieth century, and part of the twenty-first. This makes it all the more ironic that members of the same groups now rule the country. Indeed, incumbent President Gustavo Petro cut his teeth as a member of the leftist M-19 rebel group, before exchanging his military fatigues for a suit and tie.
Under Petro, the government in Bogota has reoriented the country away from the United States by joining China’s ongoing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This is the gigantic, globe-spanning infrastructure and trading network that Beijing believes will make the world more dependent on China and less on the United States.
There are also rumors that Colombia’s leaders seek to become part of the budding BRICS alliance. BRICS is an alliance of countries, nominally led by China and Russia, that are striving to create an alternative economic—and eventually, military—world order to the US-dominated one that has persisted since 1945.
Colombia Wants the J-10CE Vigorous Dragon
Colombia now has a chance to diversify its weapons arsenals away from the US-made weapons that had long defined Colombia’s military. Bogota is interested in purchasing 24 Chinese-made weapons and platforms, such as the J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, the export model of China’s 4.5-generation warplane. This is the plane that has been taking the world’s export market by storm in the wake of its successful display during the India-Pakistan war in May of this year.
Earlier this year, Bogota already announced they were purchasing a group of Saab Gripen-E fighters to replace their Israeli-made Kfir fighter jets. Colombia and Sweden even signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). There are fears in Colombia’s government, perhaps understandably, that the United States is hostile. The two countries have already faced diplomatic tensions this year, following President Donald Trump’s insistence on thousands of migrants who illegally entered the United States across the southern border to Colombia. Bogota initially refused to take the migrants, then eventually caved. Still, tempers remain high from that incident.
Now, the Colombian government fears that the relationship with Washington will continue to deteriorate—to the point that the Trump administration might impose sanctions in an effort to bring Colombia’s leftist government to heel. Because American engines are used to power the Gripens, Bogota wants a backup plan for if the Americans under Trump decide to take that step. Meanwhile, China is desperate to solidify the gains it has already made in Latin America. By ensnaring Colombia in a defense technology trade relationship, Beijing believes it will further reorient Colombia, once a strong American partner, away from Washington.
Colombia Still Has Deep Ties to the United States
It remains to be seen if the Colombians will ultimately accept China’s offer of 24 J-10CEs. Unlike other countries accepting China’s offers, Colombia remains geographically close to the United States. Moreover, in spite of its present government, Colombia remains heavily integrated into the American and Western defense establishment. Decades worth of supply chains and the accumulation of Western weapons and warplanes cannot so easily be undone.
The mere fact, however, that Colombia is even thinking about possibly purchasing J-10CEs, in the wake of their deteriorating relations with Washington and the unqualified success of China’s military export systems, means that Colombia’s government will continue to be attracted to these products—notably as the country moves closer into the Chinese camp.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Fasttailwind.
