Xi aims to tread softly in Latin American visit
President expected to steer clear of upsetting Washington and try to calm concerns about energy exploitation concerns during first trip
President Xi Jinping will set off for Latin America and the Caribbean today for his second diplomatic trip, as he looks to build ties with emerging economies and tamp down concerns that China is exploiting natural resources in the region.
Xi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico before going to the United States for his first summit meeting with American counterpart Barack Obama next Friday and Saturday. Xi's maiden overseas trip as president took him to Russia and three African nations.
China will not let Sino-US ties be affected by Latin America
Beijing is expected to complete a series of co-operation agreements with Latin American nations during Xi's tour, with one of them being a US$400 million loan to expand a highway in Costa Rica.
The trip follows a visit to Brazil by US Vice-President Joe Biden, which raised concerns that China and the US are competing for influence in the region.
But mainland experts said Beijing was well aware that Washington perceived Latin America as its "backyard" and would proceed cautiously.
Dong Jingsheng , an expert on Latin American affairs expert at Peking University, said: "China will not let Sino-US ties be affected by Latin America."
Xi is expected to focus on economic issues and boosting China's image in the region.