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China-Latin America relations

China-Latin America relations
News, features and updates on Beijing's relations with various Latin American nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and more.
In February, Peru ousted President Jose Jeri over alleged secret meetings with a Chinese firm. Photo: AFP

Ousted president, China-linked crime, Panama: 7 Latin America relations reads

From friction over the Panama Canal to steel dumping and crime, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in February 2026.

Chile

Why won’t Chile let China’s military hospital ship give medical aid?

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Venezuela

The View | Venezuela and Panama aren’t the whole story of China in Latin America

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CK Hutchison

Panama ousts Hong Kong operator from canal ports in ruling backed by Washington

White House says Panama’s move to assert sovereignty over Balboa and Cristobal aligns with Donald Trump’s vision for the canal.

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The port of Balboa, managed by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City. On Monday, Panama took control of the ports in Balboa and Cristobal. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Peru Congress picks country’s eighth president in a decade

Jose Maria Balcazar installed as Peru’s interim president after Jose Jeri was ousted after barely four months in office.

Mainland China

Chinese steel hit with duties up to US$670 per tonne after Brazil dumping probe

Government anti-dumping investigation found Chinese imports were being sold at unfairly low prices, harming domestic producers.

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Argentina

Opinion | Why trade alone won’t make China beloved in South America

The path of China-South America relations will be decided in neighbourhoods and kitchens, not just presidential palaces or investment forums.

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Influencers pose for a photo at the launch event of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 8, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Mainland China

Peru President Jose Jeri ousted in ‘Chifagate’ scandal tied to China contractor

Late-night meeting with Chinese businessman at a restaurant in Lima fuelled a probe and created major cross-party revolt.

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Brazil

Brazil races to China beef cap as 55% tariff risks price collapse

January surge puts 1.1 million tonne cap at risk, as Brasilia weighs export curbs to avert price slump and job losses.

Mainland China

Brazil breaks up China-linked US$190m money-laundering ring tied to crime gang

Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds.

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A China-linked electronics distribution network is accused of laundering more than US$190 million in Brazil over seven months. Photo: Reuters
Peru

US, China clash over Peru Chancay megaport after court bars regulator oversight

Ruling limits state supervision of Chinese-controlled hub, prompting sovereignty warning from Washington and sharp rebuttal from Beijing.

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The Port of Chancay, a US$1.3 billion deep-water hub north of Lima, is majority owned by Cosco Shipping Ports. Photo: Handout
United States

From sanctioned to ‘legitimate’: how China bought Venezuelan oil from the US

After Nicoals Maduro’s January seizure, Washington is selling seized oil globally, with China a key buyer, says Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

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US-China trade war

China vies with US in Latin America

China is investing billions of dollars in Latin America, seeking access to raw materials and huge markets in an area traditionally seen in the US as “America’s backyard”.

Iran

China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil

Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages.

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China’s support comes as Cuba faces a critical fuel shortage after the United States blocked shipments of Venezuelan oil. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

US seeks fair China competition, looks to realign Latin America ties

Scott Bessent says Washington wants to reduce security risks without decoupling from Beijing as it steps up engagement across Latin America.

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Scott Bessent has outlined Washington’s approach to managing economic risks with China while expanding engagement in Latin America. Photo: Getty Images
Automotive industry

China becomes Brazil’s biggest vehicle exporter in January, surpassing Argentina

The shift ends more than three decades of Argentine dominance, built on Mercosur rules and geographic proximity to Brazil’s car dealers.

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Hutchison’s Panama ports deal

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

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Cuba

China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Beijing promises more aid to struggling Havana and cooperation with Montevideo as Washington looks to extend its reach in Latin America.

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Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirm their countries’ ties in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
Brazil

Brazil scraps EV tariff break for Chinese carmaker BYD amid pressure from rivals

US, European and Japanese manufacturers combined to lobby for an end to favourable rules for Chinese kit imports.

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Macau

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

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US-Venezuela conflict

1 month after Maduro abduction, Venezuela assures China investments are safe

Venezuelan envoy Remigio Ceballos dismisses reports US will set the price for all oil transactions between China and Venezuela.

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Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are brought to the United States following an American military raid on their compound in Caracas on January 3. Photo: TNS
Britain

China’s Chalco, Rio Tinto buy Brazil’s CBA for US$886 million to secure minerals

Acquisition of Brazilian flagship aluminium firm reinforces China’s growing footprint in the country’s strategic mineral assets sector.

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China’s aluminium giant Chalco and Rio Tinto have agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Brazilian flagship aluminium firm CBA. Photo: Shutterstock

Brazil gold push, Peru’s China scandal: 7 Latin America relations reads

From China’s rise in Latin America to a US$1 billion gold push, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in January 2026.

Panama

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

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United States

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

Middle powers are pivoting to Beijing and hedging with new partners as China’s economic displacement of the US rapidly expands.

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US President Donald Trump raises his fist after a “Board of Peace” meeting at the World Economic Forum annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. Photo: AFP
Venezuela

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-Venezuela conflict

US’ Rubio says China profited from Venezuela’s collapse through cut-price oil

US secretary tells senators Beijing received discounted crude via opaque debt deals, saying Maduro’s removal was key to curbing influence.

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China economy

Opinion | China’s slowing overseas investment reflects caution, not retreat

Amid rising protectionism and increased pushback in advanced economies, Beijing is strategically recalibrating its investments abroad.

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