China's Social Engagement Programs in Latin America

It is well known that Latin America has become a crucial source of oil, copper, coal, steel, grain, and other resources for China, as well as an important market for Chinese manufactured exports. Less well understood are the social engagement programs developed by the Chinese government to foment goodwill and favourable conditions for long-term cooperation with the region. The article explores Latin American reactions to China's growing influence, and how business networking, educational exchange, and technical training schemes have supported commercial relations. Drawing on case studies from Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela, it argues that China's broadly conceived approach to cooperation has served to establish trust and stable economic exchange with partners across the political spectrum.