By Zoila Palma: China has released its third and most expansive policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), outlining a sweeping diplomatic, economic and cultural agenda aimed at strengthening ties with the region amid shifting global power dynamics.
China has reportedly promised no-strings-attached aid to Latin American and Caribbean countries as it positions itself as a key voice of the Global South and seeks to expand its influence in a region also actively courted by the United States.
The document, published as Beijing pushes forward its vision of an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” positions the Global South—particularly LAC countries—as essential partners in global stability, development and governance.
In its preface, the paper frames China’s renewed engagement as a response to a world facing “unprecedented challenges,” including sluggish economic growth, rising geopolitical tensions and what it describes as unilateral actions threatening international peace.
China emphasizes its own milestone achievements, including the completion of its First Centenary Goal, and links its foreign policy to broader initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.
The paper highlights LAC as a region “full of vibrancy and hope,” praising its tradition of independence and growing influence in global affairs. China portrays the region as a key contributor to a more balanced international order and emphasizes shared values and common aspirations between the Global South’s major regions.
Detailing the expansion of China-LAC relations, the paper traces a trajectory of deepening cooperation since the first diplomatic ties formed in the mid-20th century.
Major milestones—including the inaugural 2008 policy paper, the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2014, and the updated framework in 2016—set the stage for what Beijing now describes as a “community with a shared future,” grounded in equality, openness and mutual benefit.
At the center of the new policy are five interconnected programs: Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace and People-to-People Connectivity. Under the Solidarity Program, Beijing pledges more frequent high-level diplomatic exchanges, stronger political coordination, and steadfast mutual support on issues of sovereignty and national interests. The paper underscores the one-China principle as the political foundation for relations, thanking the “vast majority” of LAC countries for their support.
China also calls for enhanced multilateral and regional engagement, including deeper ties through CELAC and expanded participation from regional organizations. The policy outlines a willingness to engage in trilateral cooperation involving third-party countries and international institutions—so long as LAC governments take the lead in setting terms and objectives.
Economic cooperation occupies a major share of the document, with China announcing plans to boost trade, investment, manufacturing partnerships and financial collaboration under the Development Program. It invites more countries in the region to join the Belt and Road Initiative and pledges to expand cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, science and technology, and digital development. Beijing also signals support for reforms in global economic governance, including greater representation for developing economies in the IMF and WTO.
The paper outlines significant future cooperation in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, biotechnology and satellite navigation. China specifically invites LAC countries to participate in the BeiDou Navigation System cooperation platform and offers opportunities to join upcoming lunar and deep-space exploration missions. Expanded collaboration on maritime science, fisheries management and Antarctic research is also included.
Environmental protection and climate cooperation form another pillar of the policy, with China calling for joint action on biodiversity, natural disaster response and sustainable development. The document reaffirms support for the Paris Agreement principles and promises increased assistance—particularly for small island states—facing climate-related threats.
In the realm of culture and education, the Civilization Program proposes increased exchanges in the arts, cultural heritage protection, academic partnerships and vocational training.
China promises more scholarships, expanded Confucius Institutes, digital education cooperation and new platforms for cultural dialogue. It also seeks joint initiatives to recover trafficked cultural artifacts and deepen mutual understanding through regular cultural festivals and exhibitions.
With this extensive blueprint, China signals its intention to broaden its footprint across Latin America and the Caribbean in a comprehensive, long-term partnership.
Technology, security and climate cooperation also feature prominently in the plan.
China says it will expand joint work in artificial intelligence, aerospace, new energy and maritime affairs, while promoting collaboration on climate adaptation and environmental protection. The paper outlines intentions to deepen security and military ties, as well as cultural, educational and sports exchanges, reflecting Beijing’s growing multidimensional presence in the region.
Although the policy paper does not name the United States, it repeats China’s call to oppose “unilateral bullying”—language it frequently uses in response to U.S. tariffs and regional influence efforts.
Washington, for its part, has stepped up its own engagement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio visiting several Central American nations earlier this year to promote economic cooperation and counter China’s growing footprint. The region has increasingly become a focal point of U.S.–China rivalry, even drawing U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that the Panama Canal is under Chinese influence—an allegation Beijing has rejected.
In a notable shift from the 2016 policy paper, the updated document places greater emphasis on Taiwan, reiterating Beijing’s position that the island is an “inalienable” part of China and reaffirming the one-China principle as the political foundation for ties.
This comes amid heightened cross-strait tensions and as several Latin American and Caribbean nations—among the few globally that still recognize Taiwan—remain in play diplomatically.
The post International News: No strings attached? China launches new policy for Latin America and Caribbean with “no political condition” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: China has released its third and most expansive policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), outlining a sweeping diplomatic, economic and cultural agenda aimed at strengthening ties with the region amid shifting global power dynamics. China has reportedly promised no-strings-attached aid to Latin American and Caribbean countries as it positions
The post International News: No strings attached? China launches new policy for Latin America and Caribbean with “no political condition” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
