Strategies and Counter-strategies: China in the Andean Region of South America

By employing a comparative method that analyzes China’s increasing presence in dierent Latin America countries, this study explores key features and implications of Beijing’s approach towards this region. Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are used as case studies to evaluate China’s diplomatic rhetoric and the degree to which trade and investment realities live up to the goals proclaimed. Each of the countries examined seeks a more balanced relationship with external actors and recognizes China’s increased presence in the domestic political economy. Beijing seeks to distinguish itself as a soft power and “South-South” partner, and yet its ability to maintain this stance is complicated by the inevitable asymmetry that a rising China implies. The paper argues that China’s economic involvement in terms of trade, aid, loans and investment is indisputably important, but just one opportunity amongst many for these countries to achieve the political and economic goals that they have set for themselves.

*This paper, accessible at http://www.lse.ac.uk/internationalRelations/centresandunits/globalsouth/Publications/Working-Papers.aspx, is posted with permission of the Editors of the Global South Unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the authors. Copyright remains with the LSE and the authors.

**Posting of this report does not represent an endorsement by the Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Wong Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations and has been done to facilitate research and promote debate about multinational corporations/FDI in and from East Asia.