Colombian Business Lobby Warns of Risks From a Deal With China
Bloomberg3 days
Colombia to Join China's Belt and Road Initiative
Above: Colombian President Gustavo Petro attends the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Beijing on May 13, 2025. Image copyright: Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
It's no surprise that Colombia wants to join the Belt and Road Initiative, as China has proven to be a trustworthy cooperation partner for Latin American countries. This partnership has delivered tangible benefits for both peoples through infrastructure projects, job creation, and technological advancement.
Anti-China narrative
President Gustavo Petro has put his ideological alignment with China above the national interests he pledged to protect. His decision to join the Belt and Road Initiative poses significant risks to Colombian businesses as they would have to compete against Chinese goods and services that are either subsidized or produced with poor labor conditions.