China unveils new strategic roadmap for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Chinese government has published its third policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), aiming to deepen and diversify its relations with the region.

According to Xinhua, the document defines the region’s countries as an integral part of the Global South and a critical force for world peace and development.

With this strategy, updated for the first time since 2016, the Beijing government has introduced a five-point action plan covering political trust, economic development, security, and cultural interaction.

Emphasis on the Global South and multipolarity

The new policy, shaped under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlights shifts in the international balance of power. The document states that China and Latin American countries should act with the vision of a “community with a shared future.”

The text includes statements against unilateral bullying and hegemony while emphasizing the construction of a multipolar world order.

The document described the current global situation as follows:

“At present, changes unseen in a century are accelerating in the world, and a significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power. The Global South is emerging with strong momentum and playing an increasingly important role in the progress of humanity.”

Political trust and the One China principle

The Beijing government bases its relations with Latin American countries on the “One China” principle. The document reiterates that the Taiwan issue is a core interest of China and expresses satisfaction with the region’s adherence to this principle.

China underscores its determination to maintain mutual support with countries with which it has diplomatic relations on matters of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The text states that inter-governmental dialogue mechanisms will be strengthened, and it aims to increase contacts between legislative bodies and political parties.

The Chinese Communist Party plans to deepen cooperation with political parties in the region, regardless of ideological differences.

Local currency trade and financial integration

Under the heading of economic cooperation, structural proposals that go beyond trade are noteworthy.

China aims to accelerate infrastructure projects with regional countries under the Belt and Road Initiative and secure supply chains. In the financial sector, steps that could reduce dependence on the US dollar are prominent.

Beijing proposes to expand cross-border local currency payment systems by increasing dialogue between central banks.

The document states that RMB (yuan) settlement arrangements should be discussed and local currency swap agreements should be steadily promoted. It also supports the expansion of branch networks of Chinese financial institutions in the region.

Expanding defense and security cooperation

The “Peace Program” section of the document reveals the extent of relations in the military and security fields.

China aims to increase friendly exchanges between defense and military officials from Latin American countries and to intensify delegation and ship visits.

The areas of cooperation are not limited to traditional military training. The plan is to deepen professional exchanges in areas such as counter-terrorism, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping operations.

China also declares its intention to act jointly with the region within the framework of the Global Security Initiative (GSI).

Technology, space, and artificial intelligence partnership

Beyond traditional trade, Beijing is also seeking integration with Latin America in high-technology fields. The document encourages the establishment of joint laboratories and R&D centers in areas such as artificial intelligence, aviation, new materials, and biomedicine.

Regarding space activities, China invites countries in the region to participate in its human space program and the International Lunar Research Station project.

Expanding the use of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the region and establishing a cooperation center are also among the objectives.

The scope of technological cooperation was detailed in the document with these words:

“China is ready to actively explore cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries in fields such as communication and remote sensing satellites, satellite data applications, aviation infrastructure, and aviation training, and to jointly promote the application of space technology in areas like disaster prevention and mitigation.”

Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties

Under the “Civilization Program” heading, China is deploying soft power elements. It plans to increase mutual exchange programs in education, tourism, sports, and media.

The development of Confucius Institutes and the promotion of Chinese language education are presented as the main tools for cultural rapprochement.

Furthermore, China commits to sharing its experiences in social issues such as poverty reduction and public health with the countries of the region.