China expands AI infrastructure and influence in Latin America

China is expanding its strategic influence in Latin America through the deployment of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Beyond software applications, Beijing is focusing on the physical foundations of the digital ecosystem, including data centers, cloud services, and telecommunications networks.

Experts suggest this expansion could enhance China's intelligence and defense capabilities while allowing it to utilize Latin American data to train its AI models. This creates potential risks for the digital sovereignty of regional nations and may lead to technological dependencies that are difficult to reverse.

In addition to infrastructure, China is working to shape international AI governance. This includes the promotion of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which includes signatories such as Brazil and Cuba, and the World Data Organization (WDO), which includes the Brazilian state-owned company Serpro on its board.