China in Latin America

Brazil’s calculated approach to the Belt and Road Initiative reflects the unique nature of Latin American politics.

Under the current Ecuadorian government of Daniel Noboa, major infrastructure, financial, and security cooperation with China has been restrained, but political expediency may change that.

China’s advancement in the Central American region has largely been through Chinese companies – ones that are not usually considered among the main bearers of the CCP’s global influence.

China recognized the importance of Latin American countries in the space sector decades ago, while the U.S. is just beginning to look at them.

Chile is one of many Latin American countries where Chinese investment has quietly come to dominate key industries.

Since 2017, Central American countries have strengthened ties with China, based on promises of benefits. Instead, they face growing trade deficits and failed projects. 

The country has traditionally relied on the U.S. for economic and strategic support, but Beijing is rapidly making in-roads.

China’s unquestioning support of the Maduro government in Venezuela is out of step with its ambitions in the rest of Latin America.

While Beijing may not deliberately promote authoritarian regimes in Latin America, implicit risks to the dynamics of democracies arise out of engagement with China.

The rapid expansion of Beijing’s political and economic influence in countries switching relations from Taiwan to China suggest that a “flip” by Guatemala could be particularly impactful.

Amid tensions with Washington, President Luis Arce's government is leaning heavily on Beijing for trade, investment, and economic support.