United States plans $175.8 million undersea cable upgrade to curb China’s influence

The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $175.8 million investment to replace aging undersea telecommunications cables in the Caribbean and Central America, aiming to prevent Chinese expansion in the region. The funding is part of a broader effort that could add nearly half a billion dollars for programs across the Western Hemisphere, Africa and Asia to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s growing economic, technological and diplomatic leverage.

Officials cited concerns over Chinese ownership of ports at either end of the Panama Canal, Belt and Road infrastructure projects, and telecom investments as security and prosperity risks. The initiative follows last‑year budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency and comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States later this year.