Since the 1980s, the so called "Third Wave Democracy" has created plurality in Latin American politics. Under the influence, various political forces rose and fell to become the new normal. The political changes in Venezuela and Argentina did not necessarily represent the halt of left-wing power.

Focus on co-op, win-win in China-Latin American ties

The past decade was a time when China-Latin America relations had remarkably rapid progress. Bilateral trade exceeded US$260 billion in 2014, surging from the US$40 billion ten years earlier. Likewise, China's investment in Latin America also rose, along with the country's cooperation in other sectors. The China-Latin America relations are enjoying "the best time since Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492."

Although the rapport seemed to have developed in sync with the rise of Latin America's left-wing, this sync was entirely a coincidence. In other words, local left-wing parties did not necessarily drive forward their ties with China.

China's foreign policy is based on cooperation and win-win results, instead of on others' ideologies or political orientations. China has developed ties with Cuba and Venezuela, among others, that oppose the United States, as well as Colombia and Mexico and others that are pro-Washington. China's bilateral exchange extends both to left-wing parties and right-wing ones. Hence, the political changes in Latin America will not have a major impact on the bilateral ties.

Jiang Shixue is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/jiangshixue.htm

This article was written in Chinese and translated by Chen Boyuan.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.