‘Tips’ for Latin America to make the most of US-China competition

As the Biden era is approaching, China’s movement is busy. President-elect Joe Biden’s policy in China is also predominantly predicted.

The competition between the US and China that will continue in the new year is not the only one we are watching carefully. The same is true of Latin America, which is directly attached to the United States. This is because the US-Latin American relations as well as the China-Latin American relations have changed drastically over the past four years during the Trump administration.

Latin America has traditionally been close to the United States. It was both positive and negative. However, it has recently become closer to China. As the Trump administration shouted’American priority’. Still, there is a desire not to miss Latin America, and the message from the United States to this continent over the past four years has been clear.

“Don’t do business with China. That money is dangerous.”

But did these words work?

It was unfortunate for the US, but it was not.

China has already surpassed the United States to become the largest trading partner in Latin America. Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay are representative. The Chinese government has increased investment in the area by supporting the construction of energy infrastructure, dams, ports, railways and highways. There was also a lot of money to lend at cheap interest.

The Corona 19 pandemic became an opportunity for China to go deeper. This is because they sent masks and respirators to support them in all directions. In particular, he showed off his’bond’ by providing medical aid to Venezuela, which was rejected by the US government.

Small and medium-sized countries like Brazil and Mexico, which are not as large as the land, say, “China and neighboring Brazil are more important than the United States” (Reuters).

So, something like this comes out. “What Trump did is he made Latin American countries consider China a better partner.” (Reuters)

That doesn’t mean it’s completely distant from the United States, which has had a strong influence for decades. “For the sake of the security of the United States, we should not miss Latin America,” said Biden, and “Trump’s incompetence will end on the first day I take office.”

Experts believe that if Biden, who emphasizes the’alignment’, takes office, he will offer more investment and humanitarian aid in Latin America. It is a strong will to restore the partnership that Trump abandoned. The US Senate is also making a move to improve diplomatic relations with Latin America. Now that most countries in Africa and Asia are under the influence of China, the continent of Latin America has become a place not to be missed by the United States.

Is that why? At this time when the two great powers pour out sweet words at the same time, the words “the best time” for Latin America to take advantage of the US-China competition are flowing. The diplomatic journal The Diplomat diagnosed that “in Central and South America, where two powerful forces have become a battlefield, these countries will be able to make the most of it.”

What should I do about Handan? Experts say’focus on multilateral diplomacy’ based on the region. First of all, it means that Latin American countries must be solidarity to prevent being dragged to either side. “You must avoid the trap of choosing a country between the United States and China,” he advises. At the same time, it is predicted that “there could be a lot of opportunities” (The Diplomat) if we establish appropriate partnerships with both competitively courting countries.

The signs are good for Latin America.

The trade war with the United States has increased China’s demand for Central and South American agricultural products, which is very good news for South American countries. For the same reason, the price of Chinese products in the US has risen, and the competitiveness of Latin American products has increased.

However, if you don’t behave properly, you may face pressure on both sides. A typical example is the fact that the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Panama, which had broken ties with Taiwan in order to establish diplomatic relations with China in 2018, were “taken” by the United States. This is the reason why it is said that efforts should be made to form partnerships with other powerful players such as the European Union (EU).

Can Central and South America overcome the sadness of being called’the backyard of the United States’ and stand tall without being dragged by the new powerhouse China? The international community is paying attention to this continent.

Reporter Lim Ju-ri [email protected]