China training Latin American military, says U.S. general – AP

From the AP, via CNN.com (link):

China is training increasing numbers of Latin American military personnel, taking advantage of a three-year old U.S. law that has led to a sharp decline in U.S.-run training programs for the region, an Army general said Tuesday.

Gen. Bantz Craddock, who oversees U.S. military operations in Latin America, said military members of all ranks are receiving training in China. In addition, he said, more and more Chinese non-lethal military equipment is showing up in the region…It’s a growing phenomenon.”

Craddock testified before a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing where lawmakers from both parties called for the elimination of the law that authorizes U.S. training programs only under certain conditions — requirements that some countries refuse to accept.

The measure has given the Chinese military an opening in Latin America for the first time.