Tillerson warns against China, Russia engagement in Americas

WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is warning countries in the Western Hemisphere to beware of Chinese investment, saying it is reminiscent of European colonialism.

He is also deriding Russia for selling weaponry to authoritarian governments in the region.

Ahead of a five-nation trip to Latin America, Tillerson says China seeks only to enrich itself with investment and development projects. He says regional governments should protect themselves against "predatory actors."

He says Chinese investment may look good but always comes with heavy price, and sats Latin America does not need "a new imperial power."

Tillerson says Russia is encouraging undemocratic governments through arms sales. He says Latin America must guard against "faraway powers who do not reflect the fundamental values shared in this region."