The Heat: China-Latin America ties

The Heat

Mexico and China established diplomatic relations in 1972. A ceremony was held Monday in Mexico City to celebrate.

It was one of the first Latin American countries to have diplomatic ties with China, and it’s considered by Beijing a “lao pengyou,” or old friend.

Another country that will celebrate its 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China this year is Argentina.

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez was in Beijing to attend the Winter Olympics and signed an agreement to join the Belt and Road Initiative – China’s ambitious plan to develop international infrastructure to advance global trade.

And Chinese President Xi also met with Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. The two countries are negotiating a free trade agreement.

To discuss:

  • Tony Payan is the director of the Center for Mexico at Rice University.
  • Gilson Schwartz is a professor of economics at University of Sao Paulo.
  • Michael Shifter is the president of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank.
  • Einar Tangen is a political and economic affairs commentator.

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