The Americas | The sleepwalkers
China’s presence in Latin America has expanded dramatically
The region’s leaders are failing to consider the risks of growing dependence
|Lima
Its main breakwater is visible from a plane at 6,000 metres (20,000 feet), a hook jutting into the Pacific from Peru’s tawny coastal desert. In November, if all goes to plan, President Xi Jinping of China will inaugurate the vast new port at Chancay, 70km (44 miles) north of Lima on which Cosco, a Chinese company, and its local partner have so far spent $1.3bn.
Already have an account?Log in
Continue with a free trial
Explore all our independent journalism for free for one month. Cancel any time
Get startedOr continue reading this article
Register nowExplore more
More from The Americas
The strong dollar is hurting exports from Latin America
For three small dollarised economies it has exposed a lack of competitiveness
Cuba is out of supplies and out of ideas
Penury is pushing the island towards Russia and China
Peru’s president survives because she’s not in charge
The lawmakers are dismantling institutions
Crypto cowboys have found paradise in Paraguay
Cheap electricity, lax laws and low taxes: what’s not to like?
Under Lula, Brazil is walking on the financial wild side
Investors have started to worry about deficits and debt