On September 19, CEBRI’s Asia Program, in partnership with the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and BOCOM BBM Bank, held the event "China's Foreign Policy and its Relationship with Latin America," marking the first meeting of the 2024/2025 China Analysis Group cycle.

Li Kaisheng, Senior Fellow and Vice-President of SIIS, discussed Chinese foreign policy from a global perspective, emphasizing its geopolitical strategies and international interests. During the debate, Li explained how China’s history and philosophy have directly shaped its approach to international initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is seen as central to fostering a global community based on mutual interests.

Addressing China-Latin America relations, Niu Haibin, Director of the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies at SIIS, underscored the importance of understanding China’s internal context to interpret its relations with the region. He highlighted China's growing role, particularly in the technology and industrial sectors, in contributing to the economic development of Latin America, especially in Brazil, noting the relevance of forums such as COSBAN in strengthening dialogue between the two regions on a common international agenda.

Moderated by Ambassador Marcos Caramuru, Member of CEBRI’s International Advisory Board, the event also raised important questions about the significance of Latin America in China’s current foreign policy. The strategic impact of the Shanghai Port in Peru was highlighted as an example of regional integration and strengthening global trade. Additionally, discussions touched on how China views the role of the G20 and its perspectives on reforming international institutions. In the context of BRICS+, which will be chaired by Brazil in 2025, the event explored China’s view on the group’s expansion and the role BRICS should play on the global stage, as well as the impact of Brazil's perception among Chinese scholars.

Watch the full event broadcast HERE.