In 2025, Colombia officially joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China, becoming the latest Latin American nation to partner with Beijing’s global infrastructure and development project. The move comes as China deepens engagement in the region, challenging U.S. influence.
Key Highlights
- Colombia signed the BRI agreement during a summit in Beijing, marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Colombia.
- The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the China-CELAC Forum, strengthening China’s economic and political outreach in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- China has become the largest trading partner of many Latin American countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Chile.
- Two-thirds of Latin American nations have now joined the BRI.
Significance of Colombia’s Inclusion
- Enhances China’s leverage and strategic depth in Latin America.
- Reflects Beijing’s growing influence in regions traditionally dominated by U.S. diplomacy and investment.
- Symbolic amid increasing U.S.–China geopolitical rivalry, especially under American efforts to limit China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere.
BRI-Linked Developments in Latin America
Chancay Port, Peru: Inaugurated in 2024, this is Latin America’s first Beijing-funded port, highlighting China’s expanding maritime presence.
China-CELAC Forum 2025:
- President Xi Jinping pledged $9.2 billion in development financing.
- Prioritized sectors: infrastructure, education, crime prevention, counterterrorism, clean energy, and scholarships/training.
- Forum aims to enhance China-Latin America cooperation under BRI umbrella.
About China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping to revive the ancient Silk Road.
- Renamed from ‘One Belt, One Road’ to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2016.
- Objective: Boost global trade, infrastructure, and connectivity to enhance China’s global leadership.
Core Components:
- Silk Road Economic Belt (the “Belt”): Overland route linking China to Central and South Asia, then to Europe.
- 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (the “Road”): Sea route linking China to Southeast Asia, the Gulf, East Africa, and onward to Europe.
Key Economic Corridors under BRI:
- China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor
- New Eurasian Land Bridge
- China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor
- China–Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor
- China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM)
BRI Global Footprint
- Over 150 countries have joined BRI.
- Italy became the only G7 nation to sign the BRI agreement (in 2019).
- BRI spans Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, linking continents through infrastructure and trade networks.
India’s Stand on BRI
- India has not joined the BRI.
- Reason: Opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), violating India’s sovereignty.
- India’s Concerns:
- CPEC undermines territorial integrity.
- BRI leads to debt trap diplomacy, increasing China’s influence over economically weaker nations.