The Impact of the Political Orientation of Latin America, on the Advance of the People’s Republic of China in the Region
Latin America is currently undergoing unprecedented political shifts. This phenomenon is characterized by the recent electoral victories of left-of-center candidates in Mexico in 2018; Argentina in 2019; Peru, Honduras, and Chile in 2021; and in Brazil and Colombia in 2022, and the consolidation of power by authoritarian populist regimes in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
It has also witnessed the emergence of non-left populist regimes, exemplified by the Nayib Bukele regime in El Salvador, which are less inclined to cooperate with US (US)
principles on democracy and human rights. On the other hand, regimes elected to power in Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay in 2023, have adopted a strongly pro-US orientation, rejecting political partnerships with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and other extra-hemispheric actors, and have looked to the US for help in addressing grave economic, security, and other challenges. In both Chile and Peru, regimes with politically left-of-center political orientations have proven strong allies of the US in the region, yet face serious internal political and socioeconomic challenges.
Coinciding with Latin America’s political shift is the continuing engagement by the PRC and its corporate entities in the region. This engagement encompasses a growing political component, exemplified not only by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but more recently by its Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI), which broaden the scope of PRC’s involvement in the region.
Moreover, the PRC has fostered closer ties with Latin America through initiatives like the China-CELAC forum and its ongoing working groups. Diplomatic recognition of the PRC by Nicaragua and Honduras, and the rapid expansion of PRC infrastructure and other projects with those countries, as well as ongoing military engagements such as delivery of thousands...
