China's leaders have positioned the world's second-largest economy as a reliable trade and development partner, in contrast to the uncertainty and instability from Trump's tariff hikes and other policies. Still, Beijing's ire over the trade war remains apparent.
Speaking to the China-CELAC, or Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Forum, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced plans to build closer ties with Latin America through political, economic, academic and security exchanges.
- China's trade with the region has been growing rapidly, exceeding $500 billion for the first time last year, as it imported more farm products such as soybeans and beef, energy resources such as crude oil, iron ore, and critical minerals. Beijing's investments in the region through Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, have included installing 5G networks and building ports and hydropower plants.
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