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NEW trends unfolded in China’s stable relationships with Latin American countries in the year 2012, apparent in more diversified economic and trade cooperation. China’s proactive application of its strategies in the region has brought about greater global interaction. Achieving common trust and understanding, however, entails greater cultural and educational exchanges.
More Proactive
China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) released in 2008 constituted the first time the Chinese government had specifically addressed its policy objectives in the region. Four years later in 2012, China adopted clearer, more proactive strategies.
In 2012, Chinese president Hu Jintao attended the seventh G20 Leaders’ Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. The same year, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Upon concluding his visit to Brazil, Premier Wen carried on to Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. He raised suggestions on promoting Sino-Latin American relations, such as setting up a Sino-Latin American cooperation forum, dialogue and cooperation mechanism with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States(CELAC), and launching a Sino-Latin American cooperation fund. Premier Wen thus sent the clear message that China hopes to cement all-round cooperation and build up long-term strategic relations in the region.
The four countries welcomed Wen Jiabao’s display of good faith. China and Chile have since announced their strategic partnership, so adding another partner to the five China already had in Latin America. Having declared their comprehensive strategic partnership, China and Brazil have started ministerial level dialogues.
China’s proactive promotion of its relations with Latin America coincides with the emergence of consensus among these countries that, under the current sluggish global economy, China might soon take the lead in world consumption and production. They hence raised their requirement for a relationship based on mutual benefits in order to guarantee profits accruing to them from the robust growth of Chinese economy.
Diversified Economic and Trade Cooperation
In 2012, Sino-Latin American bilateral trade maintained steady growth, but at a slower pace than in 2011. China Customs statistics show that from January to October of 2012, Sino-Latin American trade volume reached US $217.926 billion – a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, compared with a 6.3 percent growth in China’s foreign trade volume. Meanwhile, China’s exports to Latin-American countries hit US$112.203 billion – a year-on-year increase of 12.7 percent, and imports from Latin America reached US$105.723 billion – a 9.3 percent growth. Bearing in mind the 2011 increase of 30 percent, this substantial slow-down in Sino-Latin American trade is partly attributable to the floundering global economy. The unrelenting European debt crisis, ailing American economy and drop in bulk commodity prices on the international market all had negative impact on the economy of each country. The slowdown in China’s economy is another factor. Low demand on both overseas and domestic markets also affected economic and trade exchanges between China and Latin American countries. Continuously lower economic growth estimates in the Latin American region are another reason. The economic performances of LAC countries are to a large extent dependent on periodical adjustments by developed countries and on the degree of economic slowdown in emerging economies. Last October the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) lowered the region’s economic growth estimate from 3.7 percent to 3.2 percent.
Greater Cooperation on All Fronts
Despite this slowing increase, there are reasons to be cheerful about Sino-Latin American trade. First, the yearly trade volume is expected to exceed US$250 billion, taking it to a new stage. Second, besides exporting finished products to Latin America, China has also contributed much to these countries’ service industry, including banking, telecommunications and logistics. Certain Latin American countries have also increased their exports of finished products to China. They include textiles, raw materials, chemical products and transport equipment from Brazil, electromechanical and stereo equipment from Argentina, and watches and medical equipment from Chile. Third, the safeguard mechanism in Sino-Latin American trade has been consistently strengthened. Chile, Peru and Costa Rica have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. During his visit to China last May, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon negotiated a similar agreement. If signed, this FTA will guarantee trade between the two countries and also promote Sino-Latin American trade. China has moreover suggested setting up a free trade zone with MERCOSUR, known as the Common Market of the South, so expressing its willingness to deepen economic and trade cooperation.
Under the present international economic environment, China hopes to boost trade cooperation with Latin American countries through new strategies that will bring mutual benefits and sustainable development. They are based on the facts that China and Latin America are developing economies, and that South-South cooperation has important impact on their progressive modernization. Also that international economic integration inevitably entails adjustments in the international economic order. Closer South-South cooperation will have vital impact on establishing and reforming a new international economic order. China and Latin American countries can learn from each other in the process of development and make concerted efforts to tackle issues and challenges. Under this strategic guidance, China and Latin America have expanded their scope of trade and cooperation and explored new cooperation modes. Latin America is now China’s second largest investment destination, and China is still increasing investments in the Latin American region and seeking new fields. A US $10 billion loan for infrastructure has been set up to help Chinese companies looking for opportuni-ties in Latin America and also to foster and expand these countries’ domestic markets. The fund hence serves their mutual interests.
Financial Cooperation
In October of 2012, the People’s Bank of China and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) set up the first joint financing fund for the LAC region. The IDB signed an agreement with the People’s Bank of China to explore co-investments in Latin American development projects, marking a new phase of SinoLatin American financial cooperation. In addition to providing a platform for cooperation between China and LAC countries, China also works with the IDB to finance trade and infrastructure projects and to conduct micro-credit and personnel exchanges.
During Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to LAC countries, China and Brazil inked a US $30 billion currency swap agreement (60 billion Brazilian Reals/RMB 190 billion). Both sides will also work towards pushing forward the establishment of a currency exchange fund among the BRICS countries. The currency swap system in the emerging economies not only furthers the internationalization process of the RMB, but also helps China and other developing countries promote healthy international finance.
Global Significance
The global significance of Sino-Latin American relations signifies the rising international status of China and LAC countries. Rapid progress has taken place over the past decade in tandem with both sides’ comprehensive political, economic and social development.
The close relations between China and Latin American countries originate in their respectively strategic importance to one another, mutually beneficial economic ties, and common views and concerted actions on building a more effective economy and a fair and just international order.
Emerging markets are playing a growingly important role in advancing the world economy. China and the Latin American region have entered a new phase of development that highlights their functions and strategic standing in the world economy. They have also maintained close cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the U.N., G20 and BRICS, and carried on communication and coordination on global governance, international financial crisis, climate change and other big issues. Relations between China and Latin America are also polarizing world attention. In October 2012, China and the EU held discussions on Latin American affairs and exchanged views on the regional situation. China has also held similar discussions at various levels with the U.S, Russia, Japan, ROK and Brazil.
Mutual Understanding Essential
Cultural and educational exchanges expanded in 2012. Twenty-one Latin American countries are travel destinations for Chinese residents, and Chinese language learning is becoming more common in the region. There are now 25 Confucius Institutes and 10 Confucius Classrooms in 12 Latin American countries.
But these exchanges do not add up to total common understanding.
China’s distinctive political system, rapid development, unbalanced development of its relations with LAC countries, and the geopolitical location of LAC have engendered a dichotomous attitude towards China in Latin America and the rest of the world, wherein it is seen as both an opportunity and a threat. Relations between China and LAC, therefore, are not simply bilateral but also involve third party interests. Misunderstandings, such as the notion that China’s trade and investments in the region have led to the deindustrialization of certain LAC countries, need to be clarified. Relations between China and Latin America are at an important stage of strategic opportunity. Strategically mutual trust is hence essential.
Having become acquainted, China and Latin America still have a long way to go before they can understand and eventually embrace one another.
More Proactive
China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) released in 2008 constituted the first time the Chinese government had specifically addressed its policy objectives in the region. Four years later in 2012, China adopted clearer, more proactive strategies.
In 2012, Chinese president Hu Jintao attended the seventh G20 Leaders’ Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. The same year, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Upon concluding his visit to Brazil, Premier Wen carried on to Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. He raised suggestions on promoting Sino-Latin American relations, such as setting up a Sino-Latin American cooperation forum, dialogue and cooperation mechanism with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States(CELAC), and launching a Sino-Latin American cooperation fund. Premier Wen thus sent the clear message that China hopes to cement all-round cooperation and build up long-term strategic relations in the region.
The four countries welcomed Wen Jiabao’s display of good faith. China and Chile have since announced their strategic partnership, so adding another partner to the five China already had in Latin America. Having declared their comprehensive strategic partnership, China and Brazil have started ministerial level dialogues.
China’s proactive promotion of its relations with Latin America coincides with the emergence of consensus among these countries that, under the current sluggish global economy, China might soon take the lead in world consumption and production. They hence raised their requirement for a relationship based on mutual benefits in order to guarantee profits accruing to them from the robust growth of Chinese economy.
Diversified Economic and Trade Cooperation
In 2012, Sino-Latin American bilateral trade maintained steady growth, but at a slower pace than in 2011. China Customs statistics show that from January to October of 2012, Sino-Latin American trade volume reached US $217.926 billion – a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, compared with a 6.3 percent growth in China’s foreign trade volume. Meanwhile, China’s exports to Latin-American countries hit US$112.203 billion – a year-on-year increase of 12.7 percent, and imports from Latin America reached US$105.723 billion – a 9.3 percent growth. Bearing in mind the 2011 increase of 30 percent, this substantial slow-down in Sino-Latin American trade is partly attributable to the floundering global economy. The unrelenting European debt crisis, ailing American economy and drop in bulk commodity prices on the international market all had negative impact on the economy of each country. The slowdown in China’s economy is another factor. Low demand on both overseas and domestic markets also affected economic and trade exchanges between China and Latin American countries. Continuously lower economic growth estimates in the Latin American region are another reason. The economic performances of LAC countries are to a large extent dependent on periodical adjustments by developed countries and on the degree of economic slowdown in emerging economies. Last October the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) lowered the region’s economic growth estimate from 3.7 percent to 3.2 percent.
Greater Cooperation on All Fronts
Despite this slowing increase, there are reasons to be cheerful about Sino-Latin American trade. First, the yearly trade volume is expected to exceed US$250 billion, taking it to a new stage. Second, besides exporting finished products to Latin America, China has also contributed much to these countries’ service industry, including banking, telecommunications and logistics. Certain Latin American countries have also increased their exports of finished products to China. They include textiles, raw materials, chemical products and transport equipment from Brazil, electromechanical and stereo equipment from Argentina, and watches and medical equipment from Chile. Third, the safeguard mechanism in Sino-Latin American trade has been consistently strengthened. Chile, Peru and Costa Rica have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. During his visit to China last May, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon negotiated a similar agreement. If signed, this FTA will guarantee trade between the two countries and also promote Sino-Latin American trade. China has moreover suggested setting up a free trade zone with MERCOSUR, known as the Common Market of the South, so expressing its willingness to deepen economic and trade cooperation.
Under the present international economic environment, China hopes to boost trade cooperation with Latin American countries through new strategies that will bring mutual benefits and sustainable development. They are based on the facts that China and Latin America are developing economies, and that South-South cooperation has important impact on their progressive modernization. Also that international economic integration inevitably entails adjustments in the international economic order. Closer South-South cooperation will have vital impact on establishing and reforming a new international economic order. China and Latin American countries can learn from each other in the process of development and make concerted efforts to tackle issues and challenges. Under this strategic guidance, China and Latin America have expanded their scope of trade and cooperation and explored new cooperation modes. Latin America is now China’s second largest investment destination, and China is still increasing investments in the Latin American region and seeking new fields. A US $10 billion loan for infrastructure has been set up to help Chinese companies looking for opportuni-ties in Latin America and also to foster and expand these countries’ domestic markets. The fund hence serves their mutual interests.
Financial Cooperation
In October of 2012, the People’s Bank of China and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) set up the first joint financing fund for the LAC region. The IDB signed an agreement with the People’s Bank of China to explore co-investments in Latin American development projects, marking a new phase of SinoLatin American financial cooperation. In addition to providing a platform for cooperation between China and LAC countries, China also works with the IDB to finance trade and infrastructure projects and to conduct micro-credit and personnel exchanges.
During Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to LAC countries, China and Brazil inked a US $30 billion currency swap agreement (60 billion Brazilian Reals/RMB 190 billion). Both sides will also work towards pushing forward the establishment of a currency exchange fund among the BRICS countries. The currency swap system in the emerging economies not only furthers the internationalization process of the RMB, but also helps China and other developing countries promote healthy international finance.
Global Significance
The global significance of Sino-Latin American relations signifies the rising international status of China and LAC countries. Rapid progress has taken place over the past decade in tandem with both sides’ comprehensive political, economic and social development.
The close relations between China and Latin American countries originate in their respectively strategic importance to one another, mutually beneficial economic ties, and common views and concerted actions on building a more effective economy and a fair and just international order.
Emerging markets are playing a growingly important role in advancing the world economy. China and the Latin American region have entered a new phase of development that highlights their functions and strategic standing in the world economy. They have also maintained close cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the U.N., G20 and BRICS, and carried on communication and coordination on global governance, international financial crisis, climate change and other big issues. Relations between China and Latin America are also polarizing world attention. In October 2012, China and the EU held discussions on Latin American affairs and exchanged views on the regional situation. China has also held similar discussions at various levels with the U.S, Russia, Japan, ROK and Brazil.
Mutual Understanding Essential
Cultural and educational exchanges expanded in 2012. Twenty-one Latin American countries are travel destinations for Chinese residents, and Chinese language learning is becoming more common in the region. There are now 25 Confucius Institutes and 10 Confucius Classrooms in 12 Latin American countries.
But these exchanges do not add up to total common understanding.
China’s distinctive political system, rapid development, unbalanced development of its relations with LAC countries, and the geopolitical location of LAC have engendered a dichotomous attitude towards China in Latin America and the rest of the world, wherein it is seen as both an opportunity and a threat. Relations between China and LAC, therefore, are not simply bilateral but also involve third party interests. Misunderstandings, such as the notion that China’s trade and investments in the region have led to the deindustrialization of certain LAC countries, need to be clarified. Relations between China and Latin America are at an important stage of strategic opportunity. Strategically mutual trust is hence essential.
Having become acquainted, China and Latin America still have a long way to go before they can understand and eventually embrace one another.