Latin American leaders deepened ties with China at the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, highlighting growing economic and strategic cooperation as global power dynamics shift and China expands its influence in the Global South.
In a high-profile diplomatic gathering this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed several Latin American heads of state to Beijing for the China-CELAC Forum, marking a new phase in the strategic partnership between China and the region. Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and Gabriel Boric of Chile are among the key figures attending the summit, which underscores China’s growing influence in Latin America amid shifting global trade dynamics. The forum comes as the US. and China attempt to stabilize their own economic ties following a months-long trade standoff, with both sides recently agreeing in Geneva to reduce tariffs and pause new trade barriers for 90 days. Against this backdrop, China is accelerating its outreach to the Global South - particularly Latin America, as part of its broader effort to secure markets, resources, and diplomatic support.
During the meetings, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that Colombia will officially join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), calling it a “sovereign decision” to boost industrial development, AI capabilities, and trade. “This is not about ideology - it’s about employment, growth, and innovation,” Petro told Chinese media. Colombia becomes the latest in a growing list of Latin American nations aligning themselves with China’s ambitious infrastructure and development program.
Brazil’s President Lula, on his second official visit to China since returning to power, is focusing on expanding trade in agricultural products and minerals, as well as deepening cooperation in renewable energy and logistics. Several bilateral trade and infrastructure agreements are expected, including potential railway investments linking Brazil’s inland regions to coastal ports managed by Chinese firms.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric is centering his visit on lithium cooperation, with Chile holding some of the world’s largest lithium reserves - crucial for China’s electric vehicle and battery industries. Chile and China are also expected to explore broader trade and investment cooperation under the upgraded China-Chile Free Trade Agreement. China has significantly expanded its role in Latin America over the past two decades. Since launching the BRI in 2013, Beijing has signed cooperation agreements with over 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, offering infrastructure loans, investment, and trade opportunities often without the political conditions tied to Western financing.
While China’s growing presence is welcomed by many governments in the region as a counterbalance to US. influence, it has also raised strategic concerns in Washington. US. officials have warned against economic over-dependence on China and questioned the long-term sustainability of some BRI projects. Nevertheless, the Beijing summit reflects a clear trend as China positions itself as a leader of the Global South, the Latin American nations are increasingly looking eastward for economic growth and political alignment in an uncertain multipolar world.
AnewZ has premiered The Oligarch’s Design, a long-form investigative documentary marking the launch of AnewZ Investigations, the channel’s new edi...
The foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand have told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that they are willing to pursue a ceasefire, as tensions fla...
The Conservative Party says it would cut funding for green energy projects and redirect the money into defence, arguing the UK needs to be ready for w...
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first official visit to Japan marks a notable moment in relations between the two countries, reflecting a s...
An international scientific-practical congress marking the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors named afte...
Ukraine has welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide €90 billion in support over the next two years, calling it a vital lifeline even as the bloc failed to reach agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance the aid.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that attempts to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine are being undermined by Russia’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
Petroleum products are being transported by rail from Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time in decades. The move is hailed as a tangible breakthrough in efforts to normalise relations between the long-time rivals.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging address from the White House in which he sought to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements while laying the groundwork for his plans for the year ahead and beyond, on Wednesday (18 December).
A rare pair of bright-green Nike “Grinch” sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant have gone on public display in Beverly Hills, ahead of an auction that could set a new record for sports memorabilia.
The foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand have told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that they are willing to pursue a ceasefire, as tensions flared along parts of the two countries’ shared border.
The Conservative Party says it would cut funding for green energy projects and redirect the money into defence, arguing the UK needs to be ready for war.
The European Union is facing mounting political pressure over its ability to keep Russian sovereign assets frozen, as internal divisions, leadership changes and war fatigue reshape decision-making across the bloc.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first official visit to Japan marks a notable moment in relations between the two countries, reflecting a shared interest in deepening cooperation.
The long-running geopolitical tug-of-war over the world’s most popular short-form video application appears to have reached its finale, resolving a five-year saga that bridged two US presidencies and a brief nationwide service blackout.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment