Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), returned to Argentina to participate in the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHDEC25), a regional forum focused on security cooperation. The conference convened defense and security leaders from across South America to discuss joint efforts to enhance regional security and address shared threats. During his opening remarks, Admiral Holsey highlighted the escalating threat posed by transnational criminal organizations operating throughout the Americas, noting that 33 U.S.-sanctioned groups, including foreign terrorist organizations, are active in the Western Hemisphere. He emphasized the importance of collective action and dialogue to secure the region's future. Holsey also warned about China's attempts to expand its authoritarian model in Latin America, using strategic infrastructure such as ports and space assets to project power. Following the conference in Argentina, Holsey was scheduled to travel to Paraguay to discuss cooperation against organized crime. The event underscores the strengthening defense partnership between Argentina and the United States amid growing concerns over regional security challenges.