China, Its Belt and Road Initiative, and Its Uniquely Matching Latin American Host Environment

Abstract

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has been called many things, while it is highly possible that there is not much novelty to it except for a name that sounds convincing. This study examines if the BRI has brought significant changes to the Latin American region and concludes that there has been no real difference in Chinese investment attitude based on participation in the BRI, therefore Chinese presence shall be looked at in the context of the whole region as opposed to through a BRI-centered approach. Looking at the usual elements of criticism of the initiative, Chinese activities don’t seem to add up to be a controlled scheme of economic and political takeover, nor an invasion of corrupt practices, but rather a logical and natural synergy of partners that satisfy each other’s needs, and even have similar cultural approaches when administrative functioning enters grey areas.