An Overlooked Source of Chinese Influence in Latin America
Publication: China Brief Volume: 21 Issue: 3
February 11, 2021 06:14 PM
Age: 1 month
Image: A meeting on May 27, 2020 with the Cuban Ambassador to China Carlos Miguel Pereira at ILD headquarters in Beijing (Image Source: Chinese Embassy in Cuba).
Introduction
The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is drawing increased scrutiny from U.S. policymakers. The International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (ILD) (中共中央对外联络部,
zhonggong zhongyang duiwai lianluo bu) is one of the many Chinese organizations active in LAC. Although its footprint is relatively small compared to larger trade and governmental organizations, the ILD’s emphasis on ideology and on long-term relationship building in its engagements is noteworthy and should be monitored more closely within the context of China-Latin America relations.