Congressman Shreve Calls for Coordinated U.S. Response to China and Russia’s Growing Malign Influence

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging a coordinated U.S. strategy to counter the growing malign influence of China and Russia through the BRICS bloc across Latin America. Congressman Shreve was joined by Reps. Pat Harrigan (NC), Cory Mills (FL), María Elvira Salazar (FL), and Keith Self (TX).

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries. Through the bloc, China and Russia are expanding their economic and political reach in ways that undermine democratic governance and threaten U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Engaging reform-minded democratic leaders in Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela is a critical step toward strengthening U.S. influence in the region. Building strategic partnerships with these nations will help counter threats and advance shared U.S. interests.

Congressman Shreve stated, "We urge a coordinated strategy to counter BRICS malign influence across Latin America-through stronger diplomacy with reform-minded governments, targeted development assistance, and energy and critical-mineral partnerships that provide Western alternatives. Strong democratic coalitions are the best defense against coercion from China and Russia."

The full text of the letter can be found here.