Two-Pager: China's engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean: Geopolitical challenges and the role of the EU

Disclaimer: This two-pager has been prepared by the CKN Secretariat and should not be considered the work of the individuals listed as authors of the report.

Key Takeaways

• Latin America and the Caribbean are navigating intensifying geopolitical competition between China, the US, and the EU, while actively seeking to preserve autonomy and avoid dependency on any single power.
• China has become a major economic partner in the region, contributing to infrastructure and development, but also raising concerns around transparency, environmental harm, governance practices, and strategic influence.
• The relationship between China and LAC is moving from an initial expansion phase to a more cautious and critical phase, with growing scrutiny from governments and civil society and increasing emphasis on accountability.
• The EU has an opportunity to strengthen its role in LAC through a values-based approach focused on democracy, human rights, labour standards, transparency, and environmental protection, offering an alternative to great-power rivalry dynamics.