China's BRI extension to South America: Challenges and Opportunities for the Regional Order in the Post-pandemic

Abstract

The chapter analyses trends in China's trade, investment, and finance in South America; examining the extent to which the introduction of the BRI transformed patterns of engagement. It looks at China's multilayered strategy toward the region before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, the chapter addresses how South American countries have responded to these trends and how these responses have altered regional interests and preferences. Finally, the chapter offers conclusions about the challenges ahead, considering the conjuncture in which China rises and the US holds on distress regionalism.