China-Latin America Economic Relations
Summary
Over the past two decades, China has established itself as a pivotal economic partner for Latin American nations, transforming regional trade, investment flows and development strategies. Bilateral trade has diversified from a primarily commodity-based exchange to include manufactured goods, technology and services, making China among the largest export markets for several economies in the region. Concurrently, Chinese foreign direct investment has expanded across energy, mining, infrastructure and renewable technology sectors, often facilitated by concessional loans and strategic partnerships. Projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiative have supported large-scale infrastructure developments—such as ports, railways and power plants—reshaping connectivity and embedding Latin America within global value chains. This engagement has delivered tangible growth and diversification opportunities, yet it has also prompted scrutiny over debt sustainability, environmental stewardship and shifts in geopolitical influence. Scholars have explored evolving trade imbalances, intensifying resource dependence, the mediation of domestic elites and the responses of traditional powers. The complex interplay between strategic infrastructure financing, commodity markets and governance frameworks underscores the global significance and practical implications of China-Latin America economic relations.
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China-Latin America Economic Relations publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in china-latin america economic relations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Belt and Road Initiative: China’s transnational infrastructure and investment strategy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
Commodity dependence: Economic reliance on the export of raw materials and natural resources.
Reprimarization: Process by which economies increase the share of primary commodities in exports and production.
Infrastructure financing: Methods of funding large-scale physical assets such as transport and energy networks.
References
- Dragon in the “backyard”: China’s investment and trade in Latin America in the context of crisis. Brazilian Journal of Political Economy (2020).
- Infrastructure as a Geopolitical Lever: Strategic Dynamics in Latin America’s Global Power Struggle. Revista Brasileira de Política Internacional (2024).
- Elite Dynamics and China's Influence in Latin America. Development and Change (2024).
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