As great power competition between China and the United States intensifies, Latin America has emerged as a critical arena. Yet, discourse surrounding China’s expanding presence often falls into two reductive narratives, portraying Beijing as either a strategic “threat” or a benevolent “White Knight.” In reality, China’s regional strategy is multifaceted, spanning strategic investments in ports and digital infrastructure, access to critical minerals, and expanding security partnerships.To explore these dynamics, Henry Ziemer sits down with Leland Lazarus, founder and CEO of Lazarus Consulting, and author of Dragon in the Americas: China’s Power, Presence, and Regional Influence. Together, they examine China’s evolving approach to Latin America, the competition between China and Taiwan for influence, the role of illicit economies, and the broader implications of Beijing’s growing regional presence.