A brief note about the China-Latin American Trade Partnership: an opportunity for trade diversification or a threat to a green agenda in the region?

Abstract

Bilateral trade relations between China and Latin American countries are often seen and exhibited as a strategic alliance. Nonetheless, China has its main trade and investment interests in natural resources extraction. In this sense, high stakes emerge when balancing trade patterns and welfare concerns for Latin American countries that also share the goal of attracting foreign direct investment, alternative initiatives derived from the sustainable use of biodiversity.