China Eyes Growing Economic, Diplomatic Ties Throughout Latin America

Amid a temporary deescalation of trade tensions with the U.S., Beijing looks to continue building its influence in South America.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) speaks during a plenary session of the China–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum ministerial meeting in Beijing on May 13, 2025. Florence Lo/Pool via Getty Images

Communist China is moving to strengthen its ties with Latin America, inking several new diplomatic and economic agreements with nations there in recent weeks.

Speaking at a forum for Chinese and Latin American leaders in Beijing earlier in May, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping said his regime stood ready to “join hands” with Latin America through political, economic, and security exchanges.