China has been an outstanding team player with Latin American countries, including helping Brazil with FIFA World Cup preparations. But as the goalposts of investment shift, will China remain the go-to foreign striker in the region? Nandini Lakshman reports
China was a key player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil without even showing up. This Chinese team didn’t score goals or earn free kicks, but they ensured that the opening match at Arena de Sao Paulo on 12 June, and eight more World Cup stadia littered across Brazil, got top notch in-stadium security.
Armed with 10 technicians, Beijing-based Nuctech, which installed the advanced security inspection systems, won the World Cup contract for China against stiff competition from a clutch of global opponents.
Trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and soft loans provided by state-owned banks are increasingly underpinning China’s status in Latin America. Last year, China dislodged the US as the largest trader globally, pumping US$80 billion in Latin America alone, up from US$22.7 billion in 2011. The recent visit to the region by President Xi Jinping has also underlined the importance the central government places on enhanced co-operation with Latin America.
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