On June 1, China launched a new,12-month initiative to provide visa-free travel to the citizens of five Latin American countries. Meanwhile, Beijing is also expanding its economic investments in the region, including with Chancay Port project in Peru and a new Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) program in Colombia. Are China’s moves putting pressure on the United States in its own backyard? And what do these developments mean for Taiwan’s few remaining ties in the region, including its relationships with its diplomatic allies Paraguay and Guatemala? In this episode, we discuss China’s new visa initiative, its economic development projects, and Taiwan’s own fragile connections in the region. Our guests:Chung-Chian Teng National Chengchi University Department of Diplomacy Adjunct ProfessorJohn Eastwood Eiger Law Senior Partner Chapters:00:00:00 – China Targets Latin America with Visa Waivers00:01:06 –Are Beijing’s Moves Pressuring Washington?00:06:26 – How Strategic is Chancay Port Project?00:12:43 – Could Colombia Joining BRI Worsen Tensions00:16:51 – What Tools Can Trump Use in L. America?00:19:59 – How Fragile are Taiwan’s L. American Ties?
