Here comes Mexico, sending envoys to visit China
On February 9 Beijing time, Li Chenggang, representative of the Ministry of Commerce for foreign trade negotiations and vice minister, met with Yelinas, vice minister of Mexico's Ministry of Economy, in Beijing. Both sides had an in-depth exchange on issues related to bilateral economic and trade relations and reached broad consensus.
This is beneficial for the subsequent cooperation between the two sides and the development of bilateral relations. Most importantly, it can lay the groundwork for President Xianbao's upcoming visit to China.
What is the significance and impact?
First, it helps strengthen trade cooperation. Mexico is an important economy in Latin America, and China is one of its largest trading partners in Asia. It helps promote cooperation between the two countries in multiple areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy.
Second, it can enhance strategic mutual trust. This is a meeting at the level of vice ministers, and the agreement reached will help further develop bilateral relations.
Third, it can send more economic signals, encouraging more Latin American countries and regions to release favorable policies toward China, which benefits Chinese enterprises going global. Fourth, it can reduce Mexico's dependence on the United States, as the U.S. tariff policy may change at any time, and the U.S. has hinted that it may adjust the USMCA agreement. Mexico needs to find more reliable partners.
Fifth, Mexico's current economic development is not particularly smooth. The Mexican authorities need to find certainty to better participate in a series of international affairs and thus engage in a game with the United States.
Sixth, it can fully express goodwill, accelerate cooperation with China, and attract more countries and regions to visit, which is beneficial for both China and Mexico.
There are four points to note:
First, the economic and trade relationship between the two sides is very close. Through this communication with Mexico, Chinese enterprises can better plan their North American supply chain and export markets.
Second, during the talks, there may be discussions on reducing trade barriers, simplifying investment procedures, etc., which can help both sides achieve win-win results.
Third, it can strengthen cooperation in the Latin American market, which is greatly beneficial to global trade circulation. Of course, to some extent, it will also weaken the U.S. tariff policy and reduce the U.S. voice.
Fourth, Trump will visit China in April, so Mexico's visit to China at this time is significant. Its purpose is self-evident; it hopes to gain the initiative in future negotiations with the United States.
A key point is that Trump's proposal to impose tariffs on Canada has been rejected, so Mexico understands that it is time to find new partners to gain more voice.
Considering that both Europe and the United States are showing favor to China, especially European countries have signed a series of cooperation agreements, which has made Mexico very envious. After all, Mexico has cooperation with China in multiple areas such as agriculture, minerals, and energy. If it can successfully reach an agreement with China, it not only can force the United States to sign a stronger USMCA agreement, but most importantly, it can enhance the authority of the Mexican government, which is also beneficial for her personally.
In summary: As time goes by, China's comprehensive strength is gradually increasing, and countries around the world are seizing the opportunity to show favor to China. Mexico does not want to miss this opportunity either. After all, entering 2026, the global economy is expected to gradually recover, as both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a series of geopolitical issues may be resolved. Therefore, Mexico must act ahead of time and cooperate closely with China. Hence, it sent a senior official from the Ministry of Finance to visit China, which is the purpose.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856892311671808/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.