news
BYD in Chile
The Chinese company BYD has recently signed an alliance with the Chilean company Astar, in order to distribute electric vehicles for the first months of 2023 in Chile.
Argentina at the V Sino-Latin American Defense Forum
Argentina’s Minister of Defense, Jorge Taiana, attended The V Sino-Latin American Defense Forum, stating that the meeting is a necessary multilateral stage in which to address the current global scenario.
Financial closure by Chinese company delays the design of the Bogotá subway system
As reported by the Colombian radio program “W Radio,” uncertainty exists regarding the delivery deadlines for the Bogotá subway system, as a result of the failure of the APCA Transmetro consortium to meet the deadlines for financial closure.
After extensive negotiations, the FTA between Ecuador and the People’s Republic of China is almost concluded.
The president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso proclamed the trade agreement with China is concluded. He argueshat the country’s industrial sectors under consideration included a guarantee of employment in the manufacturing industry.
Argentina at the 10th China Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo
The 10th China Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo took place from November 16 to 19 in the city of Mianyang, Sichuan province. Argentina was the guest of honor.
Chinese mining in Bolivia
Chinese mining companies are able to act intensively. The effects of this activity have been experienced mainly at social and environmental levels in Bolivia.
VI China-Colombia Dialogue
The VI China-Colombia Dialogue took place on November 17 in Bogota. The event was attended by the Colombian Ambassador to China, Sergio Cabrera, and his Chinese counterpart, Lan Hu.
Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) 2022
The last Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) meeting was held in Thailand on November 16. Chilean President Gabriel Boric also attended the meeting
Following heavy stakes in Bitcoin, El Salvador faces crisis and turns to China for support
The recent bankruptcy of FTX, caused a drop in the price of bitcoin. As a result, El Salvador’s fiscal policy was affected by the country’s large purchase of this cryptocurrency. China proposed a possible agreement.
Foreign exchange trading facilities between Argentina and the People’s Republic of China
The President of China, Xi Jinping, met with Argentine President, Alberto Fernández, on November 15, on the occasion of the G20 summit in Bali. The leaders agreed to extend a foreign exchange agreement for US$ 5 billion.
Colombian Foreign Minister met with the Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Latin America and the Caribbean Affairs
Álvaro Leyva, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, on November 18.
Mauricio Hurtado, Chile’s new ambassador to the PRC
Chilean President Gabriel Boric appointed Mauricio Hurtado as Chile’s new ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.
The People’s Republic of China sends its congratulations upon Lula da Silva’s victory
Leaders around the world congratulated Luiz Inácion Lula da Silva on his victory as the new president of Brazil. Among them was the PRC’s leader, who sent his congratulations through the country’s Foreign Ministry.
Chinese consortium signs agreement with Canacol Energy to build gas pipeline
Shanghai Engineering and Technology Corp (Setco) and Canacol Energy signed an agreement to build a gas pipeline, in the Department of Antioquia (Colombia).
Manufacturing of Sinovac Vaccines in Chile
At the end 2021, Sinovac Biotech announced plans to build a vaccine production plant in Chile. The plant,is expected to be ready by 2023.
Espejo de Palabras
The end of October saw the launch of the television program Espejo de Palabras (Mirror of words), a joint production by Télam and the Argentine National News Agency, television agencies of Argentina, and CGTN of China.
Corruption scandals involving Chinese oil companies and Ecuador
Nilsen Arias, former international trade manager of Petroecuador, is currently facing legal proceedings in the United States due to a series of corruption and money laundering scandals involving the Chinese company Petrochina.
Venezuelan Government extends greetings to the Chinese Communist Party for the celebration of the XX Congress
Following the celebration of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Venezuelan government expressed its support.
Chinese company involved in corruption cases confirmed irregular business dealings in road tenders.
China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC) reported having found irregularities in the bribery case involving the Bolivian Highway Authority (ABC), which led to the dismissal of the company’s general manager, Jin Zhengyuan.
Dragon Boat Race in Panama
Dragon boat racing is a traditional Chinese sport in which several teams compete against each other in racing boats. This sport found its way to Panama and the Dragon Boat Race was held in Amador, Panama City.
Chinese mining consortium enters into $480 million dispute against Ecuadorian government
In 2018, shortly after production began at the Rio Blanco mine owned by Ecuagoldmining, activists demanded the right to be consulted on continued operations. They subsequently obtained a court order to halt operations.
Costa Rica and the People’s Republic of China cement trade relationship
The PRC-Costa Rica trade relationship increased by 44% this year compared to 2021, meaning that it reached 2.7 million dollars.
Chinese incursion into Colombian infrastructure
This month has brought a high level of activity in the development of PRC companies in Colombia.
China and Russia doubtful over Haiti Security Initiative
China and Russia jointly expressed their concern over the US’ security proposal, in the United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting in New York.
China Donates Health Supplies to Venezuela
The last donation Venezuela received was on October 3, directly from China, and it included medical and COVID-19 supplies.
The Tarot Club
The Tarot Club is a group of Chinese companies, located in Peru, that used an illegal service in order to obtain public bids.
Increased Importation of New Energy Vehicles from China
Latin America’s consumption of New Energy Vehicles has recently increased, with Chinese-imported electric vehicles having been widely accepted by the region’s population.
Plans to install a Chinese naval base in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, denied
The governor of Tierra del Fuego, Gustavo Melera, denied that the province is promoting the construction of a Chinese naval base within its borders.
Chinese company reportedly bribed officials of the Bolivian Highway Administration
A pro-government congressman denounced a Chinese company for a millionaire bribe to officials of the Bolivian national road entity.
Argentina was neutral before the complaint imposed by the U.S. to the People’s Republic of China
The US diplomatic initiative was rejected at the United Nations plenary meeting in Geneva by 19 votes to 17, with 11 abstentions, including the government of Alberto Fernandez.
Chinese maritime fishing fleet expansion is out of control in Latin America
The PRC’s fleet is one of the largest dedicated to squid fishery. This has provoked concern for local fishermen engaged in the activity, as well as various public and private institutions in South America.
Ecuador succeeds in restructuring its debt with the People’s Republic of China
Ecuador reached an agreement with Chinese banks to provide about $1.4 billion in debt relief through 2025.
Argentine province signs new strategic agreement with PowerChina
Governor of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) Gustavo Melella signed a strategic agreement for the development of energy projects in Patagonia with Tu Shuipin, representative of PowerChina Energy in Argentina.
Huawei announces cloud expansion in Latin America
The Chinese tech company Huawei announced the expansion and improvement of its cloud business in Latin America, to boost digital transformation and development in the region.
Argentina seeks new investments in the People’s Republic of China with its own mining model
Sabino Vaca Narvaja, Argentina’s current ambassador to China, stated at the China Mining fair that the Argentine government’s objective is for the country “to have its own mining model, with clear rules, predictability and legal security for large long-term investments from China.”
China-Latin America retrospective art exchange exhibition
On September 17, the Retrospective Exhibition of Art Exchange between China and Latin America was inaugurated in the city of Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi province, located in the northwest of the Asian country
Six Chinese Hospitals to be built in Guyana
The China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation, better known as Sinopharm, has announced that it will be building six new hospitals in Guyana.
China: Chile’s major clothing supplier
Currently, China is the largest exporter of clothing to Chile, according with the report presented by Chile’s National Chamber of Commerce.
Chinese-Argentine relations at record high levels of activity
This last month has brought a great deal of activity to the bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Argentina.
New Argentine consulate opens in Chengdu city, China
Argentina seeks to expand its presence in the west of Chengdu, a city located in the west of China. It aims to open a new consulate in Sichuan, a province located in the western corridor of the New Silk Road.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala affirms support to Taiwan
Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Búcaro, visited Taiwan to show his “support”.
Growing presence of the People’s Republic of China in Latin America
China’s (PRC) great commitment in the last decade has been of great importance, the Asian country saw a great opportunity in the region and has pushed to maintain an important presence.
New port in Chancay Peru secures strategic point of trade with China
Cosco Shipping Ports, one of the largest companies in China (PRC), is making progress in the construction of the Chancay multipurpose port terminal, 80 kilometers north of the Peruvian capital, Lima
Repatriation of Peruvian cultural property on Chinese TV
China Central Television (CCTV) made a television segment in which it gave special coverage to the repatriation of the aforementioned goods and highlighted the work carried out by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.
Argentina’s formal request to join BRICS
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez recently presented his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a formal request to join the BRICS group, as announced by Sabino Vaca Narvaja, Argentina’s ambassador to China.
China’s presence in South American seas
the hegemonic presence of the United States (US) in South America is diminishing, especially in relation to its presence in the region’s oceans. This is due to China’s increased presence in the different South American trade routes and the infrastructure works it is involved in.
The latest on InaPapers
The ongoing investigation by the Ecuadorian authorities has led to the raid of the offices of Coca Codo Sinclair, a hydroelectric plant built in Ecuador. The construction of this plant involved Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned company.
Meeting between the Argentinean and Chinese Ministers of Economy
The Argentine Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zou Xiaoli, to discuss “issues related to the bilateral trade agenda”
Former Minister Batakis signs agreement to finance dams in Santa Cruz province
Silvina Batakis, former Argentina’s Minister of Economy, signed a document in the province of Santa Cruz that reactivated the financing of two dams: Néstor Kirchner and Carlos Cepernic.
Swap: Foreign exchange swaps between Argentina and the People’s Republic of China
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez confirmed that the government of the People’s Republic of China agreed to extend the currency swap with Argentina to strengthen the reserves of the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA).
Uruguayan Senator requests report on China-Uruguay FTA feasibility study
On August 24, Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo announced that, at the request of Chinese officials, the feasibility report for the FTA between China and Uruguay will be confidential.
The U.S.-China trade war and its impact on Peru
According to Daniel Velandia, chief economist of Credicorp Capital, the existing tension between the two countries has hindered Peru’s inflationary reduction, and increased the uncertainty regarding a global economic recession.
Peru subscribes to APEC environmental commitments
Working in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Peru’s performance in the area of sustainable development has been strong. This was evinced by Peru’s reiteration, in the most recent APEC forum, to establish and implement sustainable food systems and food security for its citizens.
Economic ties between Ecuador and China
China is now Ecuador’s largest trading partner. This year, Ecuador’s exports of non-oil or mining products to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) increased by 81%.
China implements soft power in Latin America
At the closing of the 6th China-Latin America and the Caribbean Think Tank Forum, Alicia Bárcena said that cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) provides an opportunity to reduce global asymmetries.
Tango ceremony as a gateway to China-Argentina relations
A Tango concert was held on August 18, at the Chengdu Concert Hall on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Argentina and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The impact of Chinese companies on transportation in Chile
An example of the above is the case of Foton, a company that specializes in the manufacture of commercial vehicles, and which has seen the highest international sales in its history in Chile.
Nicaragua and China, ever closer
Nicaragua’s Vice President, Rosario Murillo, has stated that China will grant a disbursement of USD $60 million for the development of a housing construction program. This disbursement is coordinated by the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
Uruguayan cattle, a success in China
China has become the main importer of Uruguayan beef. Now, there are plans to import live cattle from Uruguay to China, in order to crossbreed Uruguayan cattle with Wagyu cattle from China.
Ecuadorian banana exports to China grow stronger
According to the Ecuadorian Association of Banana Exporters (AEBE), the figures for banana exports to the Asian country in the first half of 2022 are encouraging, with a growth rate of 25.24% consolidating China as the main destination in the region.
Chinese company invests heavily in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
The Chinese furniture company Man Wah in Mexico will invest US$200 million to expand its plant in the state of Nuevo León, covering an area of 200,000 square meters and creating up to 8,000 new jobs.
China sends humanitarian aid following severe fire in Cuba
PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced that the Chinese Red Cross has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Cuba after a fire broke out in the oil storage area of the Matanzas supertanker base.
Guatemala, Paraguay, and Argentina take a stand on Taiwan
As of July this year, the People’s Republic of China has undertaken military exercises -using live fire- on the border it shares with Taiwan. The development of these activities has created tension in the international system. In the Latin American and Caribbean, there have been several declarations in this regard.
China willing to negotiate with the entire Mercosur bloc
Meanwhile, Beijing, which has begun negotiations on a free trade agreement with Uruguay, is willing to cooperate with Mercosur as a whole, confirmed Cai Wei, director general for the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, in Montevideo.
Venezuela and China strengthen relations through the Parliamentary Friendship Group
The Parliamentary Friendship Group of the National Assembly (NA) held an online meeting to strengthen relations between the countries and deepen the agreement.
China-Cuba cooperation to promote tourism
Cuba’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Carlos Miguel Pereira, and the executive director of Caesars Travel Group, Chen Xiaobing, signed an agreement of understanding to promote tourism between the two countries.
Failed appointment of Andreas Pierotic as Ambassador to China
The Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew the appointment of the Chilean Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Andreas Pierotic, despite the fact that the decision was made after China granted the agreement requested by Chile at the beginning of March.
Argentina’s new great trade partner
At the end of July, the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, presented a report entitled “Opportunities and Business with China”, which provides an in-depth analysis of existing economic relations between Argentina and China.
Bilateral relations between China and Ecuador
This year officially marked the beginning of negotiations between Ecuador and China with a view to signing an FTA. The most recent meeting have involved different roundtables which have worked on different issues.
Corruption scandals in Bolivia
China’s companies CAMC Engineering Co Ltd (CAMC) and YLB have been at the center of several controversies involving corruption due to a the construction of a water treatment plant in the Uyuni Salt Flat, in Potosí in Bolivia.
China advances towards Latin America
A meeting was held between China’s Foreign Ministry’s LAC director general, Cai Wei, and ALADI general secretary, Sergio Abreu in which the former manifested China’s interest in assimilating Latin American trade, understanding how it works, its strategies and instruments, and its application of the most favored nation principle.
Illegal Fishing in Uruguay
The difference between ilegal and Unregulated fishing is evident in the controversy surrounding the fishing vessel Lu Rong Yuan Yu 606 of Chinese origin, recently captured in Uruguayan waters, and whose illegality could not be concluded due to language difficulties.
Russia, Iran, and China show their military strength during maneuvers in Venezuela
The International Army Games 2022 will be held from August 13 to 27 and will take place in 12 countries, including Venezuela. Two hundred and seventy-five teams from more than 30 countries, including China, Iran, and Russia, will participate in this event.
The squid game: Uruguayan Navy pursues and captures Chinese jigging boat
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is considered the sixth largest illicit economy in the world. In some cases, such as Mexico, it can represent up to 50% of the fishing demand. Uruguay was subject to this issue, which led to the arrest of the vessel Lu Rong Yuan Yu 606, after a chase that took place on July 4.
Stori, a Mexican fintech known for its digital credit card, is LatAm’s new unicorn
Stori, a Mexican developer of financial technology products founded in 2018 was the latest investment by Chinese private equity firms Bertelsmann Asia Investments (BAI) and Vision Plus Capital.
Chinese Foreign Ministry head to visit Uruguay in the middle of a tour of the continent
The Director General of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cai Wei, has been in constant contact with the Latin American and Caribbean region since early last year with a particular interest in Uruguay.
INVAP signed an agreement with China to export reactors and produce radioisotopes
The Applied Research Institute in Argentina (INVAP) has signed a cooperation agreement with the companies Jianxi Nuclear Power and Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research & Design Institute, focusing on the export of reactors and the production of radioactive isotopes for medicine.
Argentina says it has China’s backing to join BRICS group
Within the framework of this meeting, Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero and the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Councilor, Wang Yi, had a meeting in which the Chinese official expressed his support for Argentina to join the BRICS group.
Chinese company buys lithium mines belonging to Argentine mining group for US$ 962 million
Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd recently acquired the Argentinean mining group Lithea for USD $962 million, providing it with the rights to two salt lake brines in Argentina, Pozuelos and Paston Grandes.
China’s digital breakthrough in Latin America
The pandemic has accelerated the world’s digitalization processes, which has provided China, which has a leading role in these digitalization processes, with a window of opportunity.
China asks the UN to embargo small arms and send regional forces in response to violence in Haiti
Photo: OAS visit to Haiti (2/3) – 2019. By: Francisco Proner / Farpa/ CIDH. Source: Flickr Violence in Haiti is caused by phenomena such as poverty; the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters; food insecurity; and, today, increased gang warfare and repression by the security forces. This has led to an increase in the number of victims of different types of crime, ranging from sexual assault to kidnapping, which in turn has triggered a collapse of the health and security systems. In this context, the United States has been identified as the largest supplier of arms in Haiti. In light of…
China and CELAC deepen cooperation to reduce poverty
The second forum on CELAC-China relations was held online on July 14. This time, the attendees addressed poverty reduction, aimed at sustainable development, identifying similarities between poverty in China and poverty in CELAC countries.
Investigation revealed that Chinese mafia “Fujian Bang” operates in Chile
An investigation carried out by the Chilean newspaper La Tercera revealed the existence of a relationship between local and Chinese criminals; the latter were identified as coming from a gang known as “Bang de Fujian”
Investigations targeting Chinese companies that built hospital in Puno, Perú
In the case of the construction of a hospital in the city of Puno, Peru, China Weihai Construction Group Co Ltd. and China Railway No10 Engineering Group Co Ltd. are being investigated for allegedly obtaining the bid through certain illicit actions.
Presentation of the book “El libro Blanco y Celeste de notas sobre China en medios periodísticos de Argentina”
June 15 saw the launching in Buenos Aires (Argentina) of the book “The White and Blue book of articles on China in the Argentine media” (own translation), by authors Eva Blanco Lu, Néstor Restivo and Gustavo Ng.
Growing bilateral trade between Peru and China
According to the Chinese ambassador in Peru, Liang Yu, the trade volume between both countries exceeded US $37,000 in 2021.
Petrochina seeks higher oil volume in pre-sales renegotiation
The largest state-owned oil company of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Petrochina, is asking Ecuador for larger vessels to transport oil to the Asian market.
Construction begins on the RegioTram
The Department of Cundinamarca’s Governor’s Office issued a communiqué announcing that construction work on the RegioTram de Occidente began on June 23.
Chinese Communist Party inaugurates communication seminar
June 20 saw the opening of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) communication seminar entitled “Media Convergence.
Conflicts with indigenous communities and the Chinese MMG Ltd.
The Chinese company, MMG Ltd., is presently facing a conflict with different indigenous communities due to mining expansion projects in Peru.
Nicaraguan vice president welcomes new Chinese ambassador to Nicaragua
Rosario Murillo, Vice President of Nicaragua, welcomed the new ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Chen Xi, together with his wife, Xhang Qing.
Commemoration of 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China
June 27th marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, affirmed that the relationship between the two countries has a bright future.
Costa Rica and the People’s Republic of China strengthen bilateral ties
Costa Rica and the (PRC) reaffirmed ties of friendship and cooperation on the occasion of the visit of Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Representative of the PRC Government for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, to the country.
Argentina wants to join BRICS with support from China and Brazil
The BRICS group of emerging economies held its annual summit the week beginning June 20. The Argentine government was a special guest at the meeting and once again expressed its interest in participating in the group.
Nicaragua intends to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China by 2023
Nicaraguan Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce, announced that the two countries already have a proposal for a legal framework to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China.
Argentine brand to be installed in the People’s Republic of China through soccer and dairy products
The Argentina brand went a step further and landed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through soccer with a firm objective: to maximize trade and fully promote Argentine products in the Chinese market.
Peruvian communities, government, and MMG Ltd. sign truce to restart operations at Las Bambas
After several weeks of conflict at the “Las Bambas” copper mine, on June 9, the indigenous communities agreed to temporarily suspend their protest in order to guarantee the resumption of operations at the mine.
Slowdown in Chinese demand affects Argentine meat exports
Argentina suffered a 7% drop in the volume of its beef exports in the first four months of this year, largely due to a slowdown in demand from the PRC, its main buyer.
China Railway requests new financing model for Amaila Falls hydroelectric project
China Railway has advised the government of Guyana that it cannot enter into a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model for the construction of the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project.
Valuable cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Brazil
The 6th meeting of the Sino-Brazilian High Level Commission for Dialogue and Cooperation (COSBAN) was held on May 23, 2022. A large number of ministries and government agencies attended.