China has long tapped Latin America to supply all the growth drivers of many Latin American countries. But it is also a source of frustration for those who want to grow their economy and exports with more than mining or produce.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is trying to show what he is hearing. He told a gathering of Latin American leaders and staff in Beijing on Tuesday that he would like to expand cooperation in “emerging regions” including clean energy, communications and artificial intelligence.
A day after China and the US announced interim cuts in punitive tariffs on each other, Xi did not name President Trump in his remarks to representatives of Latin America and the Caribbean community. However, XI said China is the most trusted partner in the turbulent world, a theme that has been unfolding at recent Southeast Asian countries and other diplomatic conferences.
“China will increase the imports of high-quality products from Latin America and the Caribbean, and encourage its companies to expand investment in the region,” Xi Jinping told the audience. “Faced with a surge in unilateralism and protectionism, China was ready to help, Xi Jinping said.
Other leaders also made indirect references to tariff threats and other pressures from the Trump administration. “We are here to reaffirm that multilateralism and dialogue are ways to address the challenges facing humanity, not just one-sided imposition,” Borick told the conference.
Xi did not provide much detail in his lofty speech suggesting a “collaboration study” of ancient civilizations in China and Latin America, in signs of his interest in Chinese heritage.
However, in Beijing on Monday, Lula claimed he managed to attract Chinese investors to Brazil. According to Lula's office, the Chinese company has announced plans to invest around $4.7 billion in projects such as expanded automobile manufacturing and renewable energy such as wind and solar power. He also highlighted the proposed partnership between Brazil and China to launch low-orbit satellites so that remote Brazilians can connect to the internet. The proposal would be a potential rival to Elon Musk's Starlink in these areas. Huawei, a major Chinese telecom company, is already a major presence in Brazil.
“I was a little surprised at how much the Trump administration has been declared in Latin America,” said Ryan Berg, director of the Americas program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. Since taking office, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has visited at least eight Latin America and the Caribbean countries, saying the region is a priority for him.
Trump accused China of controlling the Panama Canal. A Hong Kong company sold two port facilities to the canal, attracting criticism from Beijing. Xi did not mention the controversy, but it was visible in oblique references.
China supports Latin America and the Caribbean countries in “define their sovereignty and independence and oppose external interference,” Xi Jinshu said. “In the 1960s, large gatherings were held across China to support the people of Panama to restore sovereignty over the Panama Canal.”
Anionova of Rio de Janeiro and Sabrina Duque of Taipei have donated their reports.
