China’s Strategy in Latin America? Heine Expounds in New Interview
On October 25, 2023, Ambassador Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, detailed the rise of China as a fundamental trade partner for emerging markets and developing economies in Latin America on Canal REDMÁSTV.
Citing that Chinese investment in Latin America had surpassed a staggering $170 million, Heine explained that a China focusing on global investment via international development banking offers a competitive ‘third option’ to the traditional poles that emerged in the 20th century. For Latin America countries, this offers a new avenue to pursue investment without the pitfalls associated with economic alliances with the United States or other European countries.
Heine also reminded viewers of the Chinese perspective on their trade relationship with Latin American countries in that, namely, China benefits, too. China’s substantial population coupled with insufficient natural resources like water and agriculture products makes Latin American countries, with lower population densities and abundant natural resources, a complementary partner. He further emphasized that understanding both sides of the relationship is fundamental to understanding the trade dynamics.
You can watch the full video on the Canal REDMÁSTV YouTube channel.
Ambassador Jorge Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He has served as ambassador of Chile to China (2014-2017), to India (2003-2007), and to South Africa (1994-1999), and as a Cabinet Minister in the Chilean Government. Read more about Ambassador Heine on his Pardee School faculty profile.