The US risks getting “out-competed” by China in Latin America, particularly in telecommunications and other critical infrastructure, setting off alarm bells for the US, a senior American military official said on Friday.

General Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command, delivered her observation on security challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean and their potential implications on US security during a discussion hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.

Chinese outreach was “absolutely global and right under our nose, so close to our homeland”, said Richardson, whose command provides contingency planning and security cooperation with the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

“What the People’s Republic of China is doing looks to be investment, but I really call it extraction … and I’d say that it’s in the red zone.”

While there was no Chinese base in the Western hemisphere now, Richardson said, Beijing’s extensive infrastructure investment through its Belt and Road Initiative pointed to the potential for one in the future – a development that would “significantly heighten US security concerns”.

The Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday defended its Belt and Road Initiative.

Its projects were marked by comprehensive dialogue, mutual collaboration and shared advantages, said embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu, “illustrated by the 420,000 jobs it has created and the acceleration of economic growth in participating countries”.

“The BRI is well-received among the world most importantly because it is an initiative of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,” Liu added.

“China never imposes its will on other countries, nor does it slip any selfish geopolitical agenda into the initiative.”

The general’s remarks on Friday come at a time of escalating disquiet in Washington over alleged Chinese military expansion near the US.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting confidential US intelligence, reported in June that China was on the brink of establishing a spy base in Cuba.