China’s Xi Strengthens Latin Ties Against Trump Trade Pressure/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China is deepening its economic and political ties with Latin America as it counters U.S. President Donald Trump’s global trade agenda. Following a 90-day U.S.-China tariff truce, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged stronger partnerships with Latin countries in trade, tech, and development. The strategy marks a shift away from U.S. dependence, with Beijing offering billions in credit and trade opportunities.
China Courts Latin America to Counter Trump’s Trade War – Quick Looks
- Xi Jinping urges unity with Latin America against U.S. “bullying.”
- China shifts soybean, beef imports from U.S. to Brazil, others.
- Beijing offers $9.2 billion in credit to boost Latin development.
- WTO chief urges Japan to resist Trump’s tariff disruptions.
- China promises deeper ties in tech, clean energy, and trade.
- Colombia formally joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- Five Latin nations to receive visa-free travel to China.
- Trump’s tariff rollback deal offers 90-day pause for negotiations.
China’s Xi Strengthens Latin Ties Against Trump Trade Pressure
Deep Look
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China is forging a closer alliance with Latin America to confront the economic fallout of President Donald Trump’s trade war, pushing forward a strategy to diversify partnerships and reduce dependency on U.S. markets.
Just one day after China and the U.S. agreed to a 90-day tariff truce in Geneva, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s global ambitions in a fiery speech delivered Tuesday to members of CELAC — the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.
“There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars,” Xi said. “Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation.”
China Presents Itself as a Stable Partner
Frustrated with the unpredictability of Trump’s tariff hikes and unilateral trade moves, Xi positioned China as a dependable trade and development partner. He pledged deeper cooperation with Latin nations across sectors — from clean energy and 5G telecom to artificial intelligence and agriculture.
Beijing announced a 66 billion yuan ($9.2 billion) credit facility for Latin American development and outlined plans to boost imports of farm goods, minerals, and oil — much of which had previously been sourced from the U.S.
Soy, Beef, and Beyond: The Trade Shift
During Trump’s first term, U.S. agriculture was a primary target of Chinese retaliation. As tariffs took hold, China redirected purchases of soybeans, beef, and other key products to countries like Brazil and Argentina. This shift has since deepened and now forms the basis of long-term agricultural ties.
In 2024, China’s trade with Latin America surpassed $500 billion for the first time, driven by surging imports of iron ore, crude oil, and critical minerals needed for manufacturing and green technologies.
Tech, Trade, and Scholarships
Speaking at the China-CELAC Forum, Xi outlined additional commitments, including:
- Expanding 5G infrastructure and clean tech cooperation.
- Hosting 300 Latin political party delegates annually.
- Providing 3,500 government scholarships over three years.
- Creating visa-free travel for five Latin American countries (names not yet disclosed).
Colombia Joins Belt and Road
In a major diplomatic win for Beijing, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his country would officially join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The announcement comes despite recent delays and controversy surrounding other BRI projects in the region.
Xi emphasized the value of shared development and sovereignty, subtly criticizing U.S. efforts to isolate adversaries through sanctions and trade pressure.
WTO Calls on Japan to Resist Trump Tariffs
In a related development, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, urging Japan to help defend the multilateral trade system.
“Trade is facing very challenging times,” she said. “Japan must help uphold and reform the WTO.”
Japan remains at odds with the Trump administration over auto, steel, and aluminum tariffs, and has not yet secured exemptions.
Trade Truce Fails to Calm Markets
Though the U.S.-China agreement to pause tariffs for 90 days initially cheered markets, optimism faded Tuesday. Oil and stock prices dipped as investors doubted whether Trump’s protectionist policies and America First rhetoric would ease in the long term.
Since resuming office, Trump has renewed efforts to pressure trading partners into reshoring factories and boosting domestic production, arguing that globalization has eroded American jobs.
Global Supply Chains at Risk
Trump’s aggressive trade stance has jeopardized decades of global supply chain expansion, much of which has been anchored in China’s manufacturing sector. By contrast, China is now attempting to recast itself as a global integration hub, particularly in the Global South.
“China wants to show that it is not just resilient, but indispensable in the global economy,” said a Beijing-based trade strategist.
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