Latin America unlikely to turn back on China, despite US efforts — report

Latin America unlikely to turn back on China, despite US efforts — report

Following the operation in Venezuela, the US declared it would not allow foreign competitors or opponents to enter the Western Hemisphere, specifically marking China’s growing influence, NBC News reports.

US actions in Venezuela and Panama show deliberate pressure on local players to severe ties with China, the article adds.

However, experts interviewed by the outlet doubt such a stance will alienate Latin American nations from cooperating with China.

Here are the key points:

China has strong positions in Latin America, building trade and investment ties with the region’s countries according to its New Silk Road strategy, assistant professor at the University of Chile Andres Borquez says.

Chinese presence encompasses various spheres like energy, logistics and technology, he adds.

Latin American nations aim to balance relations with both the US and China instead of strictly opting for one side, so there’s no signs they will give in to American pressure, the expert notes.

Another aspect is China’s day-to-day presence in the hemisphere — people buy and use Chinese goods from smartphones to vehicles, and this won’t be affected by US declarations, University of Southern California professor Carol Wise says.

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