China infiltrating US 'red zone' with Latin American push

Chinese container ship Cosco docking at the Cocoli Locks in Panama City. China's expansion in Latin America of its Belt and Road Initiative to build trade-related facilities is stirring anxiety in Washington. [AP Photo]

China's efforts to build critical infrastructure across South and Central America are setting up Chinese military forces for a potential foothold on the U.S. doorstep.

China is "in the 'red zone,'" the commander of U.S. Southern Command said Friday, warning that many of China's economic initiatives can easily be flipped to support a Chinese military presence.