China makes ‘gigantic’ investment in El Salvador projects

Deal includes helping to build large sports stadium, multi-storey library and water treatment plant

It’s the strongest signal yet of the Central American country’s embrace of close relations with Beijing after it cut diplomatic ties with Taipei

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Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele (left) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping stand for their national anthems during a ceremony in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:34pm, 4 Dec 2019Updated: 1:34pm, 4 Dec 2019

China will help build several major infrastructure projects in El Salvador, including a stadium and water treatment plant, the two nations said on Tuesday, signalling its growing role in the region after El Salvador cut ties with Taipei.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who met his counterpart Xi Jinping in China this week, said the investment represented a “gigantic, non-refundable cooperation” for the small Central American nation.

He did not disclose the planned investment amount.

The pact provides for China to help build a large sports stadium, multi-storey library and water treatment plant.

China, the world’s second biggest economy, will also assist at coastal tourist sites, by building streets, parks and a water system along the beaches known as Surf City, and restaurants and shops on the Puerto de la Libertad pier.

President Nayib Bukele (right) said the Chinese investment was a “gigantic, non-refundable cooperation” for El Salvador. Photo: EPA-EFE

The projects offer the strongest signal yet of El Salvador’s embrace of close relations with China.

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