The two-day forum starting tomorrow is the latest move by China to engage Latin American and Caribbean states, some of which have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, after a series of high-level exchanges over the past month.
China has held similar forums with other regions, such as Africa, and the Latin American event shows Beijing's eagerness to exert wider influence.
Leaders and ministers from about 30 countries are expected to attend and map out a consensus for future cooperation.
Economist Zhao Changhui, from the China Society for International Finance, said Beijing might also announce investment projects. "China needs the region's commodities and resources," Zhao said. "At the same time, countries in the region are looking for ways to move away from the traditional geopolitics in which the United States plays a heavily dominant role."…While the US may view this as poaching on its sphere of influence, Monroe Doctrine and all that, the Chinese say not to worry:
"Developed nations, such as the US, may feel worried that China is foraying into its backyard," he said. "The most important thing for China is to make clear that our purpose is to seek open - rather than hostile or exclusive - cooperation with other countries. We don't intend to pose a threat to anybody."It's just about free trade, right?
South China Morning Post
Beijing to host Latin America delegation in bid to flex muscles on doorstep of US
Teddy Ng and Victoria Ruan in Beijing, Lawrence Chung in Taipei
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