Xi Jinping has pledged support for Panama against US pressure over ownership of its ports and offered greater co-operation with Latin American countries in areas including law enforcement as Beijing courts a region that Washington has traditionally considered its backyard.
Addressing a summit of leaders of 33 Latin American and Caribbean states in Beijing on Monday, the Chinese president also announced measures to deepen ties with the region, including visa-free travel and a $10bn development credit line.
Xi’s meeting with the Latin American leaders signalled Beijing’s determination to challenge Washington for global influence, and came one day after US President Donald Trump agreed to a truce in his tariff war with China.