Colombian ministerial delegation, headed by President Gustavo Petro, begins diplomatic mission in China.

Photo: Fotografía oficial de la Presidencia de Colombia.

According to a report by the media outlet La República, on the occasion of the “China-CELAC Forum”, the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, arrived in the People’s Republic of China. At that meeting, the Colombian head of state will serve as pro tempore president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

One of the expected milestones of this visit is Colombia’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative, a matter that President Petro has expressed his intention to verify, as it would allow for the diversification of the Colombian market. In response to this, senior United States officials such as John McNamara and Mauricio Claver-Carone stated that the signing of said memorandum would contribute to China’s expansion in the region, which could lead to negative consequences.

Likewise, the president of the Colombo-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, commented that both the country and the government of Gustavo Petro should carry out a thorough assessment of the possible agreements with China, maintaining a focus on national interest and on bilateral relations with the United States, in order to safeguard the fundamental principles that govern Colombia’s economy and foreign policy.

Specifically, President Lacouture noted that Colombia’s possible accession to the Belt and Road Initiative could have a negative geopolitical impact, as it may be perceived in Washington as a strategic shift toward the Asian country.

She also mentioned that relations should be considered in the long term and highlighted that Colombia’s exports to China fell by 22%, while exports from the coffee-growing country to the United States rose by 15% during the first three months of 2024, noting that the nation led by Donald Trump is a strategic ally of Colombia and its main trading partner.

On the other hand, political scientist Yann Basset, a professor at Universidad del Rosario, stated that the trade conflict between the People’s Republic of China and the United States could bring opportunities for Colombia. He also noted that Colombia is among the last countries in the region that maintains stronger relations with the North American country than with the Asian one.

He likewise emphasized that Colombia must move beyond the idea that relations with one specific country, such as the United States, should prevail, as commercial and diplomatic diversification is necessary for the coffee-producing nation.

Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that this visit by the Colombian ministerial delegation, led by President Gustavo Petro, will be structured around several meetings with authorities of the Asian country, with the aim of signing agreements in the sectors of infrastructure, trade, and scientific cooperation.

Main Source:

Gustavo Petro y ocho ministros iniciaron gira diplomática en China, una apuesta riesgosa – La República

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