Chinese President Xi Jinping made overtures to Latin American and Caribbean countries this week in a bid to make inroads in the region.
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Launched under Xi, the China–LAC Community is Beijing’s vehicle for expanding trade, infrastructure, and political ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, extending China’s reach into a region long seen as part of the United States’ sphere of influence.
On Wednesday, during the 10th anniversary of the framework’s official launch, Xi struck a contrast between China’s focus on “win-win” cooperation and what he portrayed as U.S. President Donald Trump‘s administration’s combative approach.
What To Know
“China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and autonomy are our glorious tradition,” Xi said in a speech in Beijing.
Xi also highlighted key achievements under the initiative, including major projects tied to his trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure plan. Chief among them is the new megaport in Chancay, Peru—a joint development between China’s state-owned COSCO Shipping Ports and Peru’s Volcan Compañía Minera.
Xi took part virtually in the port’s inauguration in November. The project has raised concern in Washington due to its location near U.S. maritime routes and its capacity to accommodate not only commercial shipping but potentially Chinese navy vessels.
In his remarks, Xi took aim at U.S. protectionism, delivering a thinly veiled rebuke of Trump’s aggressive trade policies. “There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars. Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation,” he said.
In early April, Trump imposed steep tariffs on dozens of countries, including many in Latin America, citing “unfair” treatment of U.S. exports. Those measures are now subject to a 90-day pause under a temporary deal struck with China last weekend, as negotiations continue.
Xi also reiterated China’s opposition to the U.S. embargo on Cuba and voiced support for Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal. Trump has claimed without evidence that China has gained control over the canal, a charge both Panama and Beijing have dismissed.
Trump has also publicly called for the U.S. to “take back” the strategic waterway, which it constructed and controlled for decades before handing control over to Panama in 1999.
What People Are Saying
Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters Wednesday: “China-LAC cooperation can withstand winds and rains and transcend mountains and oceans over the distance of half a globe.
“China will deliver on the initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping, and work with LAC countries to continue to support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, uphold the multilateral trading system and an environment for open cooperation, and defend international fairness and justice as well as world peace and stability.”
What Happens Next
Xi also unveiled five new cooperative programs for the region, including expanded infrastructure investment and a $9 billion line of credit to support future development.
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