China Expands Commercial Focus in Latin America With New Cooperation Blueprint

China has released a new policy paper outlining plans to deepen trade and economic cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean nations across a wide range of sectors, including technology, infrastructure, finance, manufacturing and agriculture.

The document — the third issued since 2008 — says Beijing's approach reflects what it views as a shifting global landscape in which the Global South is gaining greater influence.

"As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China has always shared a common destiny with the Global South, including Latin America and the Caribbean," the paper states.

The policy commits to promoting more high-value and technology-intensive Chinese exports to the region and supporting Chinese companies investing in Latin American markets. It also says China will "properly handle trade frictions" as commercial ties expand.

Agriculture remains a major focus. Beijing plans to improve customs and inspection mechanisms to increase agricultural imports from the region, describing food security as an area of "mutual benefit." The paper encourages companies on both sides to participate more actively in agricultural trade and processing.

The document also expands on infrastructure and financing, saying China will pursue what it calls needs-based development cooperation "without attaching any political conditions." Potential areas include poverty reduction initiatives, climate-related programs and large-scale construction such as ports, railways, highways, energy grids and telecommunications projects.

Technology and industrial upgrading are presented as growing points of cooperation. China proposes joint work in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, aerospace, satellite applications, new-energy vehicles, battery technologies and maritime research. The paper also references collaboration in space activities, including remote sensing and satellite navigation.

Beijing says it will support Latin American participation in major Chinese economic initiatives, including supply-chain and logistics partnerships linked to the Belt and Road Initiative. It also calls for stronger business-to-business ties, expanded cross-border e-commerce and greater use of local currencies in trade and investment settlements.

The document highlights broader goals as well, including increased cooperation in education, public health, culture, tourism, sports and media exchanges. It says China will fund training programs and invite more regional officials, students and technical personnel to participate in exchanges and scholarships.

China has become Latin America's second-largest trading partner in recent years and a major source of investment for public-works projects. The new policy framework signals Beijing's intention to expand that role, saying it aims to "promote stable industrial and supply chains" and support Latin American countries playing a larger role in global economic governance.