Policy paper illustrates enhanced China- LatAm ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent Latin America visit has been further illuminated by an updated policy document about the China- Latin America relationship. Based on a similar document issued in 2008, China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, released by the Chinese government on Thursday, is a review of the past achievements of bilateral ties and a guide for both sides to improve their relations with more new common agreements.

Xi’s recent visit marks his third trip to the region since he took office in 2013. Beijing’s incremental interest in Latin America has raised many questions in the Western world, especially in the US, which has always considered the region as its “backyard” since it adopted the Monroe Doctrine in the 1820s. China’s closer engagement with Latin American countries has been skeptically defined as an ambitious attempt to encroach upon the US’ sphere of influence.

Despite suspicions, the Policy paper has illustrated China’s position in developing bilateral ties with Latin America. The real drive behind China’s efforts in the region is its commitment to economic globalization and a more balanced world order. The Western world has turned to conservatism, giving feeble impetus to globalization. China, as a major contributor to global economic growth, has to take on more responsibilities. For example, in the recently concluded Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru, Xi promised the international community China’s economy would further open up.

The updated Policy paper has added a new call for more exchanges of experience in terms of state governance. This is a sign of progress that China is diversifying its contributions to global governance. After the Cold War, Latin America was victimized by the Washington Consensus, a set of frustrated economic policy prescriptions constituted by the US to revive crisis- wrecked developing countries. The 2008 financial crisis and its repercussions have exacerbated the sluggish Latin American economies. However, China’s robust performance in resisting the global economic downturn has attracted Latin America’s attention. China is willing to share its experiences and lessons with Latin American countries.

It is time for China to play a bigger role in international affairs. It will be a paradox if Washington expects China to provide more public goods to the world but shuns China in other aspects for fear of losing the status quo.

The updated China- Latin America ties show their recognition of China’s way of development and approval of reciprocal cooperation without political strings. It is hoped Washington can continue its input into the continent, which can benefit most from the positive competition between China and the US. The old way of threading a geopolitical mindset into global governance is obsolete, and the US should draw on wisdom from China.