Xi Jinping and Dina Boluarte (President of Peru)
Beijing has achieved another significant strategic result: the inauguration of the port of Chancayfinanced and 60% controlled by the Chinese logistics giant Cosco. Chancay will be the largest seaport on the west coast of South America and the first in the macro-region to be managed by a company from the People’s Republic.
Its implementation within the framework of the new Silk Roads (Belt and Road Initiative) is one of Beijing’s efforts to push back American containment in the China Seas, penetrate the heart of the Pacific Ocean and expand its presence at the gates of the United States.
The seaport, located 75 kilometers from Lima, will host the largest container ships in the world (with a capacity between 18 thousand and 25 thousand TEU; one TEU corresponds to 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high) and will reduce the transportation time of goods between the Chinese coast and Peru by 23 days.
The commissioning of the work should be preparatory to the expansion of the regional railway network. Under the slogan “and Shanghai in Chancay”, to connect the new silk roads to the Inca trail.
So far, the United States seems to have underestimated Beijing’s interest in Latin America. China is the largest trading partner of all the countries in this part of the worldexcluding Mexico.
What attracts the second largest economy in the world are first and foremost the considerable local natural resources, the demand for infrastructure investments e geographical proximity to the United States.
Source
www.nbcnews.com/news/world/xi-jinping-opens-huge-port-peru-funded-china-rcna180289
The source represents the starting point from which “qb” selected the elements deemed most relevant.
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**Perspective:** What are the differing perspectives of Dr. Ramirez and Mr. Chen on the Chancay port’s significance for China’s global ambitions?
## World Today News – Interview: China’s Growing Influence in Latin America
**Hosts:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are having a fascinating discussion about China’s increasing presence in Latin America, particularly highlighted by the recent inauguration of the port of Chancay in Peru.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Elena Ramirez:** Professor of International Relations specializing in Latin American affairs at the University of Buenos Aires.
* **Mr. Peter Chen:** Senior Analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies focusing on Chinese foreign policy and economic development.
**Section 1: The Chancay Port – A Geopolitical Power Play?
*Host:* Dr. Ramirez, the opening of the Chancay port, financed and largely controlled by the Chinese company Cosco, has been hailed as a major win for China. What are the strategic implications of this development for China and the region?
*Dr. Ramirez:* Indeed, the Chancay port represents a significant milestone in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. While ostensibly an infrastructure project, it carries clear geopolitical undertones. Control over such a vital infrastructure hub allows China significant economic leverage and strengthens its strategic footprint in the region.
*Host:* Mr. Chen, how does this port fit into China’s broader global ambitions? Is this part of a calculated strategy to counter US influence in the Pacific?
*Mr. Chen:* The Belt and Road Initiative is undoubtedly a cornerstone of China’s global strategy. By investing in critical infrastructure in developing nations, China is securing its access to resources, markets, and trade routes, effectively expanding its sphere of influence. While not directly targeting US interests, it does challenge the existing geopolitical order and offers alternative partnerships to countries traditionally aligned with the US.
**Section 2: Latin America’s Appeal:
Resources, Markets & Proximity
*Host:* Dr. Ramirez, the article mentions that China is the largest trading partner for most Latin American countries, excluding Mexico. What factors are driving China’s interest in this region?
*Dr. Ramirez:* Latin America offers a unique combination of attractions for China. Firstly, it’s rich in natural resources – from minerals to agricultural produce – which are essential for China’s booming economy. Secondly, the region presents a growing consumer market with significant potential for Chinese exports. Lastly, its geographical proximity to the US makes it a strategic gateway for expanding Chinese influence in the Americas.
*Host:* Mr. Chen, even though China’s investments in Latin America have been largely welcomed, some express concerns about potential debt-trap diplomacy. Can you elaborate on this phenomenon and its implications for the region?
*Mr. Chen:* Debt-trap diplomacy is a serious concern. When countries borrow heavily from China for infrastructure projects and struggle to repay, they can become financially dependent and vulnerable to Chinese political pressure. This dynamic can undermine sovereignty and create economic and political instability in the region.
**Section 3: The Future of US-China Relations in Latin America
*Host:* Looking ahead, how do you foresee the US reacting to China’s growing influence in Latin America?
*Mr. Chen:* The US is aware of China’s expanding presence in the region and is likely to respond with a combination of strategies: strengthening its own economic and diplomatic ties with Latin American countries, promoting alternative development models, and countering Chinese influence through strategic partnerships and regional alliances.
*Host:* Dr. Ramirez, what role can the individual countries of Latin America play in this evolving landscape?
*Dr. Ramirez:* Latin American nations must carefully assess their national interests and avoid becoming pawns in a geopolitical chess game. It’s crucial for them to negotiate investment deals that are transparent, sustainable, and benefit their people.
*Host:* Thank you both for providing such valuable insights. This discussion has shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding China’s growing influence in Latin America. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold and shape the future of the region.
