China and the Ruling Classes of Latin America: A New “Special Relationship”

China has established itself as a primary point of reference visà-vis the international insertion of Latin American countries. In his essay, Laufer looks at how the aggressive expansion of China’s economic and political influence in the region has given rise to defined factions among its ruling classes. Certain sectors, especially those associated with state or private economic groups in China, echo the opinion of Chinese leaders when they claim this is a complementary relationship. Advocates of this new “special relationship” are promoting the adaptation of regional economic structures to bring these into line with those of China’s industrial economy, defining these ties with China as an opportunity that will enable Latin American nations to boost production, diversify international relations and reduce their debt. However, according to the author, both the structure of bilateral trade and Chinese investment in Latin America, whether state or private, tends to consolidate the classic international division of labor, reinforcing the region’s traditional profile as an exporter of primary goods to the large powers. Laufer believes this relationship could potentially turn Latin America into an area of Chinese influence, rivaling the longstanding economic, political and strategic interests of the United States and Europe in the region.