China strengthens ties and faces disputes across Latin America
Recent reporting highlights China’s backing for Cuba, disputes with Panama and the United States, and expanding economic ties across Latin America. The coverage also examines Beijing’s influence in the United Nations, a contested mining concession in Nicaragua and Brazil’s support for a China-linked Ukraine peace initiative.
Recent reporting on China’s relations with Latin America has highlighted diplomatic support for Cuba, disputes over Taiwan and growing Chinese economic involvement across the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing would firmly support Cuba in defending its sovereignty and resisting outside interference. The statement came as Washington increased pressure on Havana in an effort to force political change, according to the report.
China also warned Panama of serious consequences after most of the country’s lawmakers formed a parliamentary exchange group with Taiwan. The move was made despite pressure from Beijing’s embassy and a public disavowal by Panama’s president. In Peru, China’s embassy responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s concerns about Beijing’s growing presence around the Chancay megaport.
The embassy defended Chinese investments and criticised Washington’s visa rules. Nicaragua granted a Chinese-owned company linked to a US-sanctioned Chinese miner the right to explore and mine gold across 262 square kilometres of rainforest, the report said. The material does not provide details of the concession’s terms or the company’s planned operations.
China is also involved in discussions over the next United Nations secretary-general. After three informal Security Council votes failed to produce a clear favourite, Beijing was reported to be weighing whether a Costa Rican or Guyanese candidate could become the first woman to lead the organisation. In Ecuador, former president Lenin Moreno and a former Chinese ambassador to Quito asked the country’s highest court to spare them five-year sentences imposed in connection with a $76 million bribery scheme involving a Belt and Road dam.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva renewed his support at the UN General Assembly for a Ukraine peace initiative launched with China. He also criticised US tariffs, military pressure and access to critical minerals, saying Brazil was no one’s backyard.
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