China and Latin America
Understanding and Assessing Chinese Interests and Activity
Over the past two decades, China’s presence in Latin America has rapidly increased. From purchasing commodities to satisfy its burgeoning middle-classes, to loaning billions of dollars for infrastructure development projects, China’s presence now seems almost ubiquitous in the region.
The recent Covid-19 outbreak provided China with an opportunity to score some political points in the region by providing medical supplies to multiple countries in need. But beyond the pandemic, how profound is Chinese engagement in Latin America, and what are the drivers behind its interests?
This event will provide an overview of Chinese interests and activity in Latin America, and assess the motives behind China’s engagement in the region, taking into consideration its political and economic ambitions, defence and security matters, the role of state-owned companies, and implications for the environment.