World Today Panel: What's behind China's deepening ties with Latin America and the Caribbean?
May 16, 2025
Pedro Steenhagen, a PhD candidate in International Politics, Cao Ting, a director at Fudan University’s Latin American Studies Center, and Fernando Munoz Bernal, founder of Media Without Means, delve into China's growing ties with Latin America and the Caribbean. They discuss how Latin American nations view China as a partner for sovereignty and investment, the implications of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the quest for sustainable development. The conversation highlights concerns about economic dependency and the necessity for transparency in these evolving relationships.
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Trade, Investment And People Links
- Trade and investment, especially infrastructure, are the main engines driving closer China–Latin America ties.
- Cultural, academic, and technical exchanges now deepen and diversify the relationship beyond commodities.
Diversifying Away From U.S. Hegemony
- Historical U.S. dominance pushes Latin American countries to diversify partnerships and reduce dependency.
- China’s emphasis on equality and non-interference appeals as a route to independent development.
Colombia’s Sovereignty Motivation
- Fernando Munoz describes Latin America’s historical role as extractive exporters and dependency on foreign aid.
- He frames Colombia’s BRI decision as an assertion of sovereignty and an attempt to break U.S. control.