Xi Jinping and China’s influence in Latin America – credit Infobae Perú / AFP
TODAY, Thursday, November 14, the arrival of the leader of the Chinese regime is expected, Xi Jinpingto Lima to participate in the summit Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), together with leaders of countries that belong to this great multilateral mechanism. However, his participation also responds to other interests that are more evident when reviewing his commercial movements in Latin America over the years.
The presence of the Asian giant in this region has changed radically in the last 20 years. As Aya Adachi explains for the portal Political DialogueIn 2000, exports of Latin America to China They were less than 2% of the total, and just eight years later trade between both parties grew at an average annual rate of 31%. Currently, China has free trade agreements con Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and has already begun bilateral talks on this issue with Uruguay.
In this way, China seeks to become increasingly involved in the economies of Latin countries. Another example of this strategy is the implementation of the Chancay Megaport, which will be this November 14 with the symbolic presence of Xi Jinpingwho will stay in the capital with President Dina Boluarte, while the ceremony takes place in the province of Huaral. As is known, the Chinese conglomerate Cosco Shipping Ports is the majority owner of the project.
Xi Jinping’s path to China’s leadership began in 1974, but it was his fight against corruption that catapulted him to the top of the Communist Party, transforming the country’s political landscape. (Reutes)
Cosco’s head of corporate affairs, Mario de las Casas, confirmed to Reuters that this construction “is part of China’s new Silk Road”, that is, that now the port will be a crucial point not only for Chinese trade, but also for its geopolitical interests.
The Council on International Relations reports that the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights produced a report in 2023 finding that large-scale projects led by China throughout the region had negative effects on the environment. and in indigenous communities.
The portal also indicates that the United States and its allies fear that China will use these relationships it is establishing with Latin American countries for geopolitical objectives, such as the isolation of Taiwan, and the growth of authoritarian regimes, as is happening in Cuba and Venezuela.
Evan Ellisa researcher specialized in Latin America at the US Army War College, explained to the BBC that after the United States approved nations against Venezuela in 2019, China tried to continue buying oil from this country, but in a ” hidden.” According to the interviewee, they used independent companies that took the crude oil to the coast of Malaysia and there placed it on another ship before finally transferring it to China.
As for Cuba, in July of this year the growing expansion of spy bases of the Chinese regime in Cuba was revealed, which confirms the alliance between both autocratic governments.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Peru to inaugurate the Chancay megaport in 2024. Photo:
The researcher, in an article for the China & Latin America Network (RedCAEM), warned that the Chancay Megaport could bring difficulties to the next Peruvian governments, even compromising national security.
“In times of peace, a future Peruvian government would have great difficulty denying Cosco permission to receive PLA Navy ships (People’s Liberation Army) in its port,” he maintains.
“In times of war, the company’s ability to receive and ship military cargo, and resupply the EPL with Navy military vessels, could be facilitated by a political crisis in Peru, in which government control is uncertain,” duck.
Recently, in an interview with Canal N, the spokesperson for the State Department of Joe Biden’s Government, also mentioned that security, especially cyber security, is an aspect that investors take into account.
“The US has already (delivered) three super scanners that will be used to scan all incoming cargo and we are training customs agents on how to use them. Hopefully Peru can take advantage of this investment, but in a safe way so that it continues to attract more investments, because I believe that investors consider these aspects of security, not only physical security, but also cyber security,” he stressed.
The United States shows its concern in terms of security about the Chancay megaport – composition credit Infobae Peru / Canal N / Andina
In statements for Infobae Perueconomist Eduardo Recoba already warned about the dependence of the Peruvian economy on China and the effects it could have on the country if its growth is diminished.
“It does cause me concern because Peru’s commercial risk matrix, which is basically copper, could be compromised,” he mentioned.
According to the Foreign Trade Society (Comex), China is the main destination and origin of Peruvian exports and imports. In July 2024 alone, shipments were USD 14,260 million.
The main product shipped is copper. Recoba specifies that although USA accepts this mineral, the Asian giant has received almost double in comparison.
“USA.” The US prefers to receive rolled copper, in sheets or whole, which is what Chile exports, but we do not have that capacity, we export concentrates,” he points out.
The leader of the Chinese regime is on his way to Lima to participate in APEC 2024 and pay a state visit with Dina Boluarte. In this way they hope to increase influence in the region. – Credit Composition Infobae/Getty Images/Lintao Zhang/CGTN/Reuters/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana
The leader of the regime chino He will not arrive alone, but is accompanied by two important officials. He is accompanied on his visit to Lima by the member of the Permanent Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (PCC) and director of the General Office of the Central Committee of the PCC, Ca Q and the member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the PCC. Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.
These two figures are highly relevant to China’s plans in Latin America, with its Foreign Minister, who has been vital in ensuring China’s influence in commercial exchange between countries, and the member of the Chinese Communist PartyCai Qi, who has been highlighted as Jinping’s “guardian angel.” Both play important roles and have also been present at meetings with other leaders in the region, such as when Xi Jinping met with the president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, and the former president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
