1 of 2 | At an international forum last week in Asunción titled “Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China,” speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with the Asian nation. Photo by Lady Falcon/Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 2 (UPI) -- Regional officials, diplomats and analysts warned of China's growing influence in Latin America and urged Paraguay to safeguard its democratic sovereignty as it considers potential economic agreements with Beijing.
Since 2020, China has become South America's top trading partner, actively promoting investment and cooperation agreements that expand its influence in the region. This comes as policies by the Trump administration -- such as tariff hikes, mass deportations and threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal -- have compromised the United States' historic dominance in Latin America.
At an international forum in Asunción titled "Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China," speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with China.
