The China-Global South Podcast Choosing Sides or Playing Both? Latin America Navigates U.S.–China Rivalry
Jun 10, 2025
Parsifal D'Sola Alvarado, a longtime China analyst and founder of the Andres Bello Foundation, sheds light on Latin America's precarious position between U.S. and Chinese influences. He discusses Colombia's shift towards China under its leftist president and Brazil’s strategic engagement amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation explores the historical context of U.S.-China rivalry in the region and the critical need for enhanced understanding of China’s role in the Global South, underlining the challenges and opportunities this presents for Latin American countries.
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China's Strategic Investment Shift
- China focuses on smaller, strategic projects like green energy and smart technology in Latin America.
- The U.S. remains the largest foreign investor, limiting direct competition in sectors like infrastructure.
China Leads Latin American Trade
- China has overtaken the U.S. as Latin America's main trade partner but focuses heavily on raw commodities.
- Lack of regional value addition highlights Latin America's continuing economic challenges and dependency.
Improvisation in Foreign Policy
- Latin American foreign policy often centers on presidential decisions and ideological positioning.
- Colombia's joining/talking cooperation with the Belt and Road reflects domestic politics more than strategic economic planning.