China–Latin America Forum: Perspectives and Debates
DATE: April 23–24, 2025 | VENUE: FLACSO Ecuador and Universidad San Francisco de Quito
This forum will provide both in-person and virtual platforms designed to facilitate robust discussions and knowledge sharing on the complex relationships between China and the Andean Region. It will also offer technical support and capacity-building opportunities through workshops and training sessions led by prominent experts.
Panelists will present cutting-edge research and perspectives while conducting practical sessions on key dimensions such as economics, politics, sociocultural dynamics, and human rights.
Objective and Expected Scope
The Andean Region of South America has historically depended on the export of commodities such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products, leading to economic volatility due to global price fluctuations. Additionally, the region has relied on foreign technology and manufactured imports. Over the past three decades, China has emerged as a key player—investing in infrastructure and resource extraction, becoming a major technology provider and trade partner—thereby influencing the region’s political, social, and economic dynamics by shaping both opportunities for growth and patterns of dependency.
The “China–Latin America: Perspectives and Debates” forum will delve into these contemporary dynamics by bringing together leading academics, business leaders, diplomats, and government representatives.
Held through workshops, technical training sessions, and expert panel discussions, the forum aims to:
- Assess the impact of China’s domestic governance, foreign policy objectives, and global actions on democracy, institutions, and legislation in Latin America.
- Promote informed, strategic, and collective action in the critical analysis of China’s influence in Latin America, particularly in the Andean Region.
- Foster deeper understanding of China’s economic, technological, and political strategies in the Andean Region.
- Explore how Andean countries can maximize the benefits of China’s engagement while addressing the challenges posed by its growing influence.
Key Objectives
- Develop and strengthen competencies: Equip participants with the tools to critically evaluate the impact of China’s activities in Latin America.
- Facilitate dialogue and research: Organize platforms for interdisciplinary debate and long-term research initiatives on China’s role in the region.
- Establish a network of specialists: Create a network of experts to provide ongoing analysis and perspectives on China’s activities in Latin America.
Thematic Panels
Politics, History, and International Relations:
This panel will address China’s relationships with the region and individual countries. Topics include international relations, geopolitics, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, regionalism, and migration.
The Chinese Governance Model and Freedom of Expression:
Focuses on citizenship policies, China’s governance model, human rights, civic participation, and intergovernmental exchanges. Topics include the social and legal responsibilities of Chinese companies, labor studies, and the influence of the Chinese government in Latin America.
Economy, Trade, and Investment:
Analyzes economic growth, trade, and Chinese-financed investments—especially in extractive industries. Discussions will focus on economic relations, trade balances, non-renewable resource extraction, and infrastructure development, with emphasis on Andean trade agreements.
Cultural and Academic Exchange:
Explores collaborations such as joint research initiatives and student exchange programs, highlighting the complexities of intercontinental academic and cultural interactions.
Environmental Impact:
This section aims to assess and examine the complex relationship between extractive and infrastructure activities and their environmental impact, with a specific focus on illegal fishing.
Information and Communication Technology:
Assesses the use of Chinese technology in Latin America, challenges in digital governance, the expansion of the “Digital Silk Road,” and the development of 5G and AI technologies.
China’s Infrastructure Projects:
Examines Chinese-sponsored infrastructure projects in the Andean region, addressing delays and challenges in ensuring the development of high-quality infrastructure.
Organizers
This forum is co-organized by FLACSO Ecuador, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) – Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies on Inequalities (IEAD), Asian Studies Group – and Fundación Andrés Bello (ABF), Latin American–Chinese Research Center.
With the support of:
