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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.
Chile’s President Jose Antonio Kast greets supporters. Photo: AFP
Brazil

US threats for Chile, China tariffs Mexico: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Panama Canal woes to an undersea cable scandal in Chile, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

Panama

China denies retaliating against Panama ships, accuses Washington of canal grab

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Mexico

China threatens Mexico with trade reprisals over 50% import duties

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US-China relations

US claims China manipulating its position at UN to undermine America’s interests

House Select Committee says Beijing using monetary contributions, critical UN posts and strategic troop deployment to expand its reach.

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China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, addresses the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York on February 18. Photo: Reuters
Cuba

As Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, China has ‘very limited options’

Any response from Beijing is likely to be constrained to diplomatic opposition and humanitarian aid, according to analysts.

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US-China relations

US tracks 23 Chinese port projects in Latin America, general tells Congress

Top US commander says Chinese port and space projects across Latin America are all seen as potential dual-use military assets.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Channeling Trump, Chile’s new president launches work on border barrier

Arch-conservative leader Kast has vowed to crack down on immigration from Peru and Bolivia with his ‘Border Shield’ plan.

A machine digs along a section of Chile’s northern border. Photo: AP
Brazil

China wants Brazil’s biggest port terminal. Washington just said no

US consul-general Kevin Murakami told port executives the Santos megadeal should not fall into ‘unwanted hands’.

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United States

Amid China cable fallout, Chile’s president ends term, calls for unity

Undersea fibre-optic cable project linking Chile to Hong Kong enraged US, causing dispute that defined Gabriel Boric’s final weeks in office.

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Chile

US threats and a Chinese cable scandal mark first day for Chile’s new president

The US forced Chile to cancel a Chinese undersea cable. Now the region is asking who gets to decide what infrastructure Latin America builds.

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Jose Antonio Kast was elected as Chile’s president in November after his Republican Party won just over 58 per cent of the vote. Photo: Reuters
China exports

Chinese companies expand globally

Chinese firms are investing in overseas factories and marketing to develop global brands. Domestic price wars are pushing more companies to go global – “chuhai” in Chinese – in search of new growth opportunities.

Chinese companies expand globally

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?

The vessel has sailed into Valparaiso’s waters as the geopolitical winds shift in the western hemisphere.

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Venezuela

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

While recent events highlight the risks in volatile states, China’s position in Latin America is rooted in deep trade and investment links with the region’s largest economies.

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A man on a motorcycle transports water bottles past pumpjacks, beside deteriorating oil infrastructure on the shores of Lake Maracaibo, in Cabimas, Venezuela on January 26. Photo: Reuters
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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