Colombia's economic pathways amid shifts in U.S. and China's influence on trade and investment

Purpose This article examines how Colombia has managed its relationships with these two global powers by analyzing trade and investment pathways with both China and the United States. Design/methodology/approach This examines how Colombia has managed its relationships with these two global powers over the last decade by analyzing trade and investment pathways with both China and the United States. From a theoretical perspective, it applies power transition theory to highlight the significance of state leadership and the role of economic and diplomatic strategies in shaping international relations, particularly as China's rise challenges traditional leadership structures. Findings The findings suggest that current U.S. policies are likely to create distance in its relationship with Colombia, while China's structural projects in infrastructure are becoming key drivers of closer bilateral ties. Originality/value This article contributes to the literature on the relation of China and Colombia in the current scenario, analyzing official data.