China-Latin America ties aimed at mutual benefit

Fearing that the constantly evolving China-Latin America relationship might affect its influence in the Western hemisphere, the United States is watching closely the course two-way trade and exchanges take. Some even argue Beijing's increasing presence in Latin America could pose a challenge to Washington's influence over the Panama Canal, a major channel for the flow of commodities in the region.

The truth is, none of these arguments holds water. The booming trade between China and Latin American countries is primarily driven by their complementary nature. China needs considerable natural resources to fuel its manufacturing engine and to sustain its economic growth. And since resource-rich Latin American countries hope to strengthen and expand their manufacturing capabilities, they are justifiably motivated to provide what they have in exchange for China's investment and manufacturing expertise.

There is no evidence of Beijing seeking to fill in the strategic "vacuum" left by Washington in Latin America either. China has a decent record of using the Panama Canal, and its so-called military interactions with Latin American countries are basically confined to defense personnel exchanges and training exercises. In other words, China has every reason to cooperate closely with Latin America to boost globalization. Therefore, US strategists inclined to meddle in China-Latin America affairs would commit a grave mistake.

To clear such misunderstandings, China should keep explaining to the US that its deepening interactions with Latin America is not targeted at any third party. The win-win cooperation between China and Latin American countries can also effectively reduce the number of illegal migrants and drug-traffickers entering the US by driving economic growth and creating more jobs, which has long been a problem for the US.

Besides, there is plenty of room for China-US cooperation to help expand the Latin American market, especially in the fields of infrastructure, energy and agriculture. China's efforts to help improve the lives and livelihoods of the people in Latin America deserve better than aimless finger-pointing.

The author is director of the Center for Latin American Studies, Shanghai University.