China’s Growing Influence in Latin America: Navigating Geopolitical Rivalry and Economic Dependency

Abstract

This article examines the shifting power dynamics in Latin America, focusing on the decline of the United States’ (US) influence and China’s growing economic presence since the early 2000s. As the US shifted its geopolitical priorities, China expanded its trade and investment in the region, becoming a key partner for many Latin American economies. This article argues that China’s engagement in the region has reduced the US’ dominance in some areas, but it has also created new dependencies, challenging Latin American countries’ pursuit of autonomy, through the lens of dependency and autonomy theories. China’s economic relations with Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico from 2000 to 2022 are examined, utilizing empirical data on trade and investment flows. The article highlights how China’s increasing influence reshapes autonomy, long-term development prospects, and strategic alignments. By examining the varying stances of the three largest Latin American economies in their engagement with China, this article aims to enrich the discourse on the region’s autonomy and China’s role in it.

Keywords

Autonomy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, United States

Citation

Hazal Melike Çoban and Carmen Fonseca, “China’s Growing Influence in Latin America: Navigating Geopolitical Rivalry and Economic Dependency”, Uluslararası İlişkiler, Advanced Online Publication, 3 February 2026, pp. 1–19. DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.

Affiliations

Hazal Melike ÇOBAN Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Ankara University, Ankara E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0002-4384-1948

Carmen FONSECA Assistant Professor, Department of Political Studies, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon & Researcher, Portuguese Institute of International Relations (IPRI-NOVA), Lisbon E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0003-2797-7754