Latin America needs more cooperation with China, not less

Latin America faces numerous and growing challenges. From the increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty, from 81 million in 2020 to 86 million in 2021, to a continued lackluster economic performance－an unemployment rate of 9.6 percent, middling wages, and persistently high inequality－and an atmosphere of crime and violence, the region is in many ways worse off than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

To overcome these challenges, the people of the region have been clamoring for development in new areas through win-win cooperation with other countries. China has answered that call, pushing forward existing platforms such as the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum, proposing new mechanisms like the Global Development Initiative, and deepening cooperation relations with countries at the bilateral level.

Colombia is one of the Latin American countries that has recently benefited from a deepening and widening of relations with China. In a matter of only a few years, what was once a cordial but superficial relationship has become one of greater trust and mutual benefit, leading to concrete benefits for the Colombian people.