Pekingology China’s Growing Influence in Latin America
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Feb 5, 2026 Francisco Urdinez, Associate Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and author on China-Latin America ties, breaks down Beijing’s bilateral strategy and why countries bargain differently. He explores China copying early U.S. corporate playbooks, growing regional backlash, concerns over space and security projects, and how Venezuela reshaped Chinese lending approaches.
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Latin American Agency Matters
- Latin American governments largely exercise agency and negotiate terms with China rather than being passive recipients.
- Leverage varies by issue: commodities give countries power, while financing for isolated regimes gives China more leverage.
Policy Papers Signal Beijing's Preferred Narrative
- China's policy papers frame relations as South-South cooperation emphasizing development, infrastructure, and multipolarity.
- These papers signal preferred narratives and often guide Chinese policymakers even if implementation is bilateral and pragmatic.
China's Country-By-Country Playbook
- China treats Latin America pragmatically and tailors engagement country-by-country and sector-by-sector.
- Beijing measures success bilaterally and competes for deals rather than managing a unified regional strategy.
