US and China are engaging Latin America in different ways. While the US is attempting to rebuild relationships that have been strained recently, China has engaged in economic activities with countries in the region. Although China has invested heavily and is influential in the region, it has not led to increased tensions or competition between China and the US.

Many Latin American countries have experienced record levels of growth in the last decade due to high prices of commodities, however, few planned for the future. As China slows and US desire for petroleum lessens, the economies of many Latin American countries that have failed to diversify their economies away from a single commodity are slowing drastically.

Trade between Brazil and China has flourished over the past decade. However, the current trade relationship may be disrupted as Brazil recognizes the benefits of adding value along its supply chain, giving way to more opportunities for the United States to build upon its economic relationship with Latin America’s largest emerging market.

Following the Community of Latin American and Carribean States (CELAC) summit held in Havana, Cuba at the end of January, Fernando Menéndez analyzes two potential paths for Latin America’s development and explores China’s future role in the region.

As inward FDI in Latin America and the Caribbean reached an all time high in 2011 with total inflows of $153 billion in 2011, China continues to increase its investments in the region. Fernando Menéndez explains that rather than focusing on increased competition, the US and China should collaborate so both nations may benefit from the region’s booming economies.

The on-going recession in Europe and the United States led China to avert their eyes towards new places for investment. Walker Rowe discusses the growing Chinese investments in Chile and other South American regions and explains why Latin America is the promising market for Chinese investors.

How will Nicolás Maduro’s leadership impact China’s evolving relationship with Venezuela? Fernando Menéndez warns that the state of Venezuela’s economy and political stability is in jeopardy, putting China’s strong ties and investments in the country at risk.

China’s economic slowdown has emerging economies around the world concerned that slowing growth will impact trade and investment. Specifically, many Latin American markets worry they will be negatively impacted by a decrease in exports to China.

Will China’s economic slowdown have a negative impact on Latin America’s emerging markets? Fernando Menéndez explores how infrastructure development and regional trade could allow for diversification in Latin America and why China would be a prime beneficiary of the expansion.

Latin America has reemerged as one of the most significant regions in global affairs, as nearly simultaneous visits by US and Chinese leaders have proven. Niu Haibin explains that as the region becomes a common foreign policy priority, cooperation and a clear understanding of each country’s interests will allow for renewed development and a positive future.