Upcoming Roundtable (hybrid) on 26 June 2025
Over the past decade China’s engagement with Latin America has increased dramatically. This is evidenced by China’s emergence as the most important trading partner for many Latin American countries. This dominance is particularly striking when compared with China’s meagre 2% share of regional trade at the turn of the century. Furthermore, the extensive reach of China’s influence is underscored by the participation of 21 out of 33 LAC countries in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s strategic infrastructure development programme. With its multifaceted approach of promoting trade and investment with Latin America, as well as cultural, diplomatic and military advances, China has successfully established itself as an alternative, rival and competitor to the old European and US allegiances in the region.
This roundtable will focus on China’s growing presence in the LAC region, discussing its relevance for EU policymaking concerning the region. We will discuss how China’s expanding presence impacts the EU’s strategic interests, policy priorities, and ongoing regional initiatives. We will also explore the needs of the LAC region and identify the potential for the EU to offer solutions or partnerships in response.
Speakers and moderators:
- Parsifal D’Sola Alvarado, Executive Director, Andrés Bello Foundation, China Latin America Research Center
- David Chico Zamanillo, Head of Unit – Latin America, Directorate for Regions, Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union (EXPO), European Parliament
- Dr. Ceren Engec, Research Fellow, Centre for European Policy Studies
- Prof. Dr. Martina Fuchs, Institute of Economic and Social Geography, University of Cologne
- Dr. Monika Prusinowska, Ramon y Cajal Fellow, University of Barcelona
- Dr. Daniel Sprick, Research Associate for Chinese Legal Culture, University of Cologne
Time & Place: 26 June 2025, 13:30-15:30 ECT
International House, University of Cologne (Kringsweg 6)
Join us in person or via Zoom:
https://uni-koeln.zoom.us/j/97801513707?pwd=cwKpTWuAazf3b20rLJccJ0AZqWMkC6.1
The roundtable is supported by the University of Cologne, the University of Barcelona, the DIDUE Research Group on International and EU Law, and the Cologne International Forum.
Feel free to contact the organizers Monika Prusinowska monika.prusinowska@ub.edu and Daniel Sprick dsprick@uni-koeln.de.