China Cracks Open Latin America’s Door by Joining Andean Community as Observer

The 31st meeting of Andean Community (CAN)’s Foreign Ministers Council recently gave China the green light unanimously. Experts say this opens a crucial foothold for China to push industries like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, leveraging the rich deposits of gold, copper, and lithium in CAN’s member countries.

On September 30, Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Sommerfeld, and Peruvian Ambassador to Colombia and CAN Secretary General Gonzalo Gutiérrez attended the CAN handover ceremony.

China’s Growing Role as the World’s Reliable Partner

According to the South China Morning Post, while the Trump administration was busy “hiking up trade barriers”, Latin American countries looked for reliable global export partners — and that’s China. Unlike the US, which often prioritizes its own interests, China is seen as a stable and committed ally.
 
Leland Lazarus of Lazarus Consulting, which advises on Sino-Latin ties, summed it up neatly: “In other words, China’s message is, while the US is closing shop, we’re still open for business.”
 
Set up back in May 1969, the Andean Community is a key regional economic group, based in Lima, Peru, with four members: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Chile and Venezuela left earlier, in ’76 and ’06. Since 1999, China and CAN have maintained contact through consultations.

Founded in May 1969, the Andean Community is a key regional economic integration organization in Latin America.

Jiang Tianjiao from Fudan University’s BRICS Research Center says this is a “new phase” for China and Latin America relations. Getting observer status deepens economics and investment ties, and it’s a key strategic step for the Global South.
 
Joining CAN boosts cooperation with Latin America and strengthens the voice of developing countries through formal regional participation.
 
Counterbalance to US Tariff Wars

In the midst of Trump’s tariff battles, China stands as a defender of global order and a major developing country that offers stability. Jiang says China’s role in CAN helps member countries hedge against tariffs and find alternative markets.
 
As an observer, China provides Latin America with more reliable export routes through regional cooperation and strengthens South-South collaboration against unilateral US pressure.

Lazarus highlights that China’s observer role in CAN offers a channel to advance its global governance proposals, like the recent initiative unveiled at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin.
 
He also points out the natural fit between CAN’s treasures of gold, copper, and lithium and China’s need for materials for AI and electric vehicles.
 
Bilateral relations between China and Latin America have broadened and grown in recent years. Latin America’s resource richness meshes well with China’s market and tech strengths, promising mutual benefits.
 
Fostering these links and bringing industrial chains together will help Latin America modernize sustainably and open fresh opportunities for building a China-Latin America community sharing a common destiny, while invigorating global economic governance.
 
China to Push Regional Integration Forward

CAN members see China’s observer status as historically significant, expecting it to boost cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development, safeguarding developing countries’ shared interests.
 
Chinese diplomat Zhang Liping from Colombia’s embassy expressed readiness to implement the “five major projects” under the China-Latin America community framework and start a new wave of bilateral and multilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.
 
China’s Track Record of Growing Latin America Partnerships

In reality, China has been steadily boosting ties with Latin American economies through forums like China-CELAC. The 4th ministerial meeting this May in Beijing saw regional leaders recognize China as a “good friend and partner,” focused on joint growth and resisting bullying.
 
On May 14, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China-Latin America cooperation has overcome challenges and differences. China pledges to support Latin America on core interests and key issues, promote three global initiatives, uphold multilateral trade, defend international justice, and foster global peace.
 
This cooperation is entering a “golden decade” aimed at strengthening the Global South’s unity and building a shared future for humanity.

Mao Paishou

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Forget what you thought you knew—global opinion is swinging fast. The Economist’s latest survey lands like a jolt across Western capitals, with its blunt verdict: China’s cultural clout, economic horsepower, and diplomatic finesse are soaring. The United States, meanwhile, finds itself tripping over Trump-era policy stumbles. Suddenly, the world stage isn’t a one-man show. China is catching up—fast.

The Economist calls the spike in support for China “startling”. Global Times isn’t buying it. For years, Western media stuck to the storyline—China’s rise must trigger anxiety. But people aren’t buying fear-mongering anymore. The data tells a different story. Pragmatism wins. China’s steady growth and consistent, peaceful diplomacy are finding friends everywhere. It’s not magic; it’s momentum. The more China delivers—on trade, stability, real benefits—the more the world leans in.

China’s support explodes in global poll, leaving the US playing catch-up.

Breadth, Depth, and Changing Minds

Follow the numbers. In a massive poll by the Economist and GlobeScan—32,000 voices, 32 countries, July to September 2025—China’s support rockets 11 points to 33%. The United States slumps to 46%, shy of a majority anywhere. Nearly 40% call China’s global footprint “positive”—a jump from Trump’s first term. Just ask the next generation.

Gen Z isn’t sitting on the fence—they’re almost split. 41% support the United States, 39% champion China. That’s neck and neck. Flip to the over-65 crowd and the gap yawns wide—America still gets the nod by thirty points. 

Look south—the warmth toward China spikes in developing nations. Young people everywhere are more open, more enthusiastic. Recent research covering 46 countries had sixty percent rating China “positive.” The global South and the global youth are jumping on the China train, and it’s not a coincidence—it’s payoff for years of tangible benefits.

Indonesia’s high-speed bullet—Jakarta–Bandung Rail powers new opportunities.

China Delivers Real Results

The startling swing may be “partly thanks to China’s Belt and Road Initiative”, which has, in the past 10 years, “seen tens of billions of dollars invested” in regions like Africa and the Middle East.

Infrastructure isn’t a talking point—it’s a revolution. Belt and Road, global initiatives, iconic mega-projects like the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail, Budapest–Belgrade Railway, and the Port of Piraeus don’t just flash headlines. They deliver: 420,000 new jobs, nearly 40 million people escaping poverty. China is laying track and lifting economies—and the world is noticing.

Labubu: China’s soft power icon storms abroad, collecting fans everywhere.

The Youth Go "Cool China"

Young people crave what’s fresh—and China’s got cool factor now. Innovation, culture, and brands like Labubu, TikTok, and Black Myth: Wukong are racking up fans overseas. Foreigners aren’t just watching—they’re coming, eager to engage. This vibrant, two-way flow builds new bridges, solidifying China's reputation as a destination, not just a headline.

TikTok: The youth can’t get enough, and China leads the digital dance.

China’s style of governance, with results for all to see, has smashed the old myth that “to modernize means to Westernize.” Countries are waking up—there’s more than one road to prosperity, and China’s path offers a real alternative for developing nations craving independence.

Global Times pulls no punches: “Unlike the rise of some major powers in history that came with war and expansion, China has always adhered to the principle of peaceful development.” In messy times, China’s steady hand—UN peacekeeping, hot-spot negotiations, and regional dialogue—makes it the stabilizing force the world is looking for.

China rejects hegemonic power tactics and calls for win–win deals with everyone. Rich nations get calls for mutual respect; developing countries get partnership with no strings attached. Dignity and trust aren’t just wordplays—they’re laid down as the new rules. As the Global Times concluded: “This approach has allowed more nations to feel respected and treated as equals, and many, especially those in the Global South, see China as a trustworthy partner”.