China Expands $9.2 Billion Economic Ties Across Latin America

China is actively expanding its economic, political, and cultural influence in Latin America and beyond, seeking to counterbalance U.S. power in the region. At the China-CELAC forum, President Xi Jinping announced a $9.2 billion credit line and a three-year plan encompassing over 100 joint projects aimed at infrastructure, clean energy, AI, and digital connectivity, while also waiving visa requirements for citizens of several South American countries. Chinese leader Xi emphasized partnership and diversification from U.S.-centric supply chains, with Latin American leaders like Brazil's President Lula da Silva endorsing a multipolar global order and condemning U.S. tariffs. China has become the largest trading partner of South America since 2020, with trade expected to reach $750 billion by 2035, accompanied by strategic efforts to secure access to natural resources and markets through state-owned investments. In parallel, China is fostering cultural and agricultural ties with African nations such as Nigeria, promoting tea culture and agro-processing as avenues for enhanced cooperation and mutual economic development. Despite ongoing political tensions affecting U.S.-China academic collaborations, China continues to pursue and approve new international education partnerships, including with U.S. institutions, signaling openness to global engagement.