From “Going with the Flow” to “Active Planning”

This chapter traces the evolution of China&s;s strategic approach to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from early commercial and migratory ties to a coordinated, state-directed strategy that integrates economic, political, technological, and security objectives. It begins with the historical foundations of Sino–LAC interaction, from the Manila Galleon trade to nineteenth-century migration, before examining how contemporary relations accelerated after China&s;s WTO accession and the 2008–09 global financial crisis – when Beijing emerged as a “White Knight” lender and trade partner amid Western retrenchment. The chapter then analyzes the pivotal shift under Xi Jinping from a largely reactive “going with the flow” posture to “active planning,” as codified in the 2016 policy paper and successive China–CELAC Joint Action Plans. Particular attention is given to the 2025–2027 five-pillar framework – Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity – which expands cooperation into party-to-party diplomacy, digital infrastructure, security coordination, space and Beidou navigation, and financial instruments such as yuan settlement and Panda Bonds. The chapter concludes by juxtaposing Beijing&s;s narrative of South–South partnership and criticism of the Monroe Doctrine with growing US and regional concerns over economic coercion, dual-use infrastructure, and strategic dependence.