China in Latin America: The Whats and Wherefores

With China on the minds of many in Latin America - from politicians and union leaders to people on the street, from business students to senior bankers - a number of important questions arise. Why, for example, is China so rapidly expanding its ties with the region? What is the nature of the new connection, and how will it affect institutions, economic structures, politics, and society? R. Evan Ellis provides a comprehensive look at the character and impact of the developing PRC - Latin America relationship.Ellis examines how the relationship has taken on distinct characteristics in various subregions, considering the role of supplier-and-market countries such as Argentina and Brazil, China's cautious dance with populism as it seeks access to Andean oil, and the dominance of the Taiwan issue in China's dealings with Central America and the Caribbean. He also addresses the unique case of Cuba. Not least, his work sheds light on the implications of the China - Latin America relationship for conventional wisdom regarding globalization, development, and the links between economics and politics.