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.

For more:

🏮 Happy #LunarYear! In 2022, Mexico celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, but #DYK the historic relationship between our countries dates to the early days of the Spanish colony? Discover the story behind: https://t.co/MuPGGPZC2T 🇲🇽🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/gwF9Tdq0Zo

— Mexican Cultural Institute DC (@MexCultureDC) February 1, 2022

The official addition of Argentina to China’s Belt and Road Initiative strengthens bilateral political and trade relations while also further advancing China’s interests in Latin America.https://t.co/ahTaN2RGtB

— The Diplomat (@Diplomat_APAC) February 13, 2022