China has promised no-strings-attached aid to Latin American and Caribbean countries as it positions itself as a key voice of the Global South and seeks to expand its influence in a region also actively courted by the United States.
In an updated policy framework for deeper economic cooperation with the region, Beijing highlighted what it described as a “significant shift in the international balance of power”, with the Global South gaining greater influence.
The strategy paper, the third of its kind, was published in full by state news agency Xinhua on Wednesday.
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“Global economic growth is lacking sufficient momentum, local conflicts and turmoil occur frequently, unilateral bullying actions undermine international peace and security, and human society is facing unprecedented challenges,” the quoted document read.
“As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China has always shared a common destiny with the Global South, including Latin America and the Caribbean.”
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China published its first policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008 and the second in 2016, with the latter urging stronger cooperation in a wide range of fields.