An approach to political and economic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Colombia (2010-2020): American alignment or diversification towards the South?

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the economic and political relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Colombia in the period 2010 2020. To this end, special emphasis will be placed on political-diplomatic relations and international negotiations, as well as foreign trade, investment and cooperation. Since the beginning of the 21st century, there is evidence of a strengthening of bilateral ties with a significant growth in the flows of goods between States since the beginning of the 21st century. This analysis seeks to focus on the chinese projection in Colombia and the role that the United States assumes in the South American country. The historical proximity of Colombia to the United States could explain the limited advances of China in Colombia. However, a greater diplomatic presence of China in this matter is witnessed, along with an intensification of commercial relations. As a result of the recognition of the peripheral nature that Colombia occupies in the international system, recent governments have resorted to the diversification of foreign relations as an insertion strategy to expand their margins of maneuver. It is concluded that, in certain areas, the United States has not been a constraint for this rapprochement, although relations have not deepened as expected.