Reference Message Network reported on May 22 that the Spanish "La Vanguardia" website published an article titled "Latin America Bets on China: A Strategic Relationship to Promote Development" on May 20. The author is Pedro Barragán. The main content is compiled as follows: Over the past 20 years, China has become the main trading partner of many countries in Latin America. Its influence has gone beyond the simple trade sector. With the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested billions of dollars in key infrastructure such as roads, ports, railways, power plants, and telecommunications in Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and other countries. Chinese loans and engineering projects have played a crucial role in modernizing strategic sectors in Latin American countries. Unlike other countries, China does not demand political reforms or ideological alignment when providing funds or technology. This has been welcomed by Latin American governments that value determining their own development models. Cooperation between Latin America and China has moved beyond raw materials to involve high-value-added industries. Huawei, ZTE, BYD, and other Chinese tech companies are not only selling products but also establishing R&D centers in Latin America, promoting technology transfer, and training local talent. Argentina and Brazil have already cooperated with China in satellite technology; Chinese enterprises are introducing electric vehicles and intelligent transportation solutions in Colombia and Mexico. This trend allows Latin America to integrate into more complex value chains and prepare for the digital economy. For many Latin American countries, strengthening ties with China does not require breaking away from the West, but rather diversifying risks and gaining maneuvering room in a multipolar world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Western powers prioritized hoarding vaccines, while China delivered millions of doses of vaccines and various medical supplies to many countries in Latin America. Moreover, China has opened up new spaces for South-South dialogue and cooperation. China collaborates with CELAC countries in multiple fields such as education, health, climate change, and connectivity, without imposing its views or acting paternalistically. While China strengthens its ties with Latin America through investment, infrastructure construction, and technical cooperation, the United States is losing ground due to its inconsistent and disdainful foreign policy toward Latin America. We see Trump treating the region with aggressive and derogatory remarks about Latin American immigrants while increasing tariff pressures on the region. The U.S. interference in Argentine affairs highlights its self-centeredness: wanting to stop China while refusing to provide credit to regional countries. Conversely, this exactly demonstrates the broad nature of China's development-oriented policies—it does not discriminate based on ideological positions. Unlike Beijing’s specific development proposals, Washington offers interference, vetoes, and various conditions. The result is predictable: Latin America, which has historically relied on the North, is beginning to look for new opportunities. They have realized that autonomy is built through diversified partnerships, not through submission to spheres of influence. Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507078998657909288/ Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views. Please express your opinions in the button below.