Just days after signing up for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Colombia has reportedly been pitched China’s J-10C fighter jets.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s strongest link to the Latin American region, which the United States considers its backyard.
Last week, Colombia became the 23rd Latin American country to join the initiative, demonstrating the strengthening of ties with Beijing. The agreement was signed during Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit to China for the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States’ (CELAC) forum.
President Petro published a video of the signing of the agreement on X with the caption: “The history of our foreign relations is changing. From now on, Colombia will interact with the entire world on a footing of equality and freedom.”
China is believed to be using its BRI to further its ambition of becoming a world power. However, the US has repeatedly warned Latin American countries about the risks of participating in the initiative, expressing concerns over debt traps, sovereignty, transparency, and strategic influence. It argues that BRI loans come with high interest rates and opaque terms, which can create unpredictable debt situations.
DATE . May/21/2025