China’s role in the project of a South American regional order

Abstract

Over the past decade, China has gradually increased its trade and political ties with Latin America, particularly with South American countries. This process has prompted important changes regarding China’s role in the project of a South American regional order, driven by Unasur since 2008. Unasur was proposed as an integration block outside of the inter-american system led by United States, because it would promote regional autonomy. In parallel, the rise of China in the world economy generated high expectations about the possible emerge of a multipolar international order. This paper seeks to examine the current and potential role of China in a South American regional order, suggesting that while China increased commercial proximity to South America, its main priority is to establish links to the Latin American region as a whole, as Unasur is not yet recognized as a strategic regional entity. China has not been able to challenge the established regional order led by the United States, however is interested in building political influence in this region. As a result, China coincides theoretically with the goal of autonomy promoted by Unasur, but is also generating scenarios for a weaker South America.