First, Latin America has been opening up to every country in the world. It attracts external capital from around the world and its trade partners are everywhere. As a matter of fact, Latin America has become one of the most open markets in the world. Therefore, it is logical for China to develop economic and trade relations with the sub-continent. To put it another way, China is only one of the economic partners Latin America has been trying to cooperate with.

Second, China's relations with Latin America are for win-win economic cooperation, not for political purposes against the United States. China understands fully well that Latin America is the backyard of the United States, so there is no need for China to challenge U.S. influence in Latin America.

Third, China-Latin America economic relations also benefit the U.S. One the one hand, many of the Chinese projects and programs in Latin America also created business opportunities for the United States; on the other, the China-Latin American economic relationship contributes to Latin American economies and a better-off neighbor is in the interests of the United States.

Fourth, China's cooperation with Latin America in the military and security fields is limited and does not target any third party. Furthermore, China's military relations with Latin America follow the following principles: 1) to gain a better understanding of Latin American militaries; 2) to improve professional expertise by learning from each other; 3) never target any third party; and 4) never harm the regional and hemispheric stability.

Fortunately, we have to note that, compared with the past, say, ten years ago, more and more people in the United States have a correct understanding of the nature of China's relations with Latin America. A prominent U.S. scholar who has published prolifically on China-Latin America relations told me in Beijing recently that there is no need for the United States to worry about the development of China's ties with Latin America. He said that scholars in the United States are still interested in the bilateral relationships between China and Latin American countries, but have become less vigilant against them. He even put forward the notion of triangulation between the United States, China and Latin America; cooperation among the three players. Of course, the best scenario would be a win-win-win outcome.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/jiangshixue.htm

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