On Friday, June 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC), in partnership with Fedesarrollo, will host a virtual discussion on the implications of China’s growing influence in Colombia and the steps the United States and allies can take to offer a competitive alternative.

Less than a month ago, Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Beijing and formally signed a memorandum of understanding for Colombia to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative—a move his administration has described as an “historic step” toward increased investment and cooperation. But what does this deepening relationship with China mean for Colombia’s longstanding partnership with the United States? What are the sectors that will be prioritized in this new alliance? And how do Colombians view this realignment? 

This virtual event will feature Bloomberg’s presentation of its latest polling data on Colombian perceptions of China’s growing presence. This comes as China has become Colombia’s top source of imports and bilateral trade has reached a record $21 billion. Through concessional financing, bundled infrastructure and technology packages, and faster project execution, Beijing is attempting to present a compelling alternative to traditional development models. 

Fedesarrollo and the Atlantic Council are co-hosting this event as members of CEPAS, the regional network of think tanks in the Americas, and are pleased to partner in that capacity.