Colombia Joins China’s Belt And Road Initiative Despite U.S. Opposition

Colombia has officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aligning itself with Beijing’s global infrastructure and investment strategy despite long-standing U.S. concerns over growing Chinese influence in Latin America.

On May 14, Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. The two leaders witnessed the signing of a cooperation plan to jointly develop the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

“This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to make joint efforts with Colombia to advance our strategic partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples,” Xi said.

Colombia’s entry into the BRI comes shortly after Panama withdrew from the initiative in February 2025 under pressure from the United States. Washington has generally opposed BRI participation in the region, citing concerns about economic dependency and geopolitical risks.

China emphasized Colombia’s strategic role in Latin America, with Xi calling for deeper political trust, increased investment, and expanded cooperation in areas including digital economy, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

Xi added that China is open to importing more Colombian products and will support Chinese enterprises in infrastructure projects across Colombia. He also urged both countries to enhance cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges as part of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

President Petro welcomed the growing relationship, expressing Colombia’s interest in further cooperation with China. “Colombia looks forward to boosting ties with China. Both sides should deepen political mutual trust, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, new energy and artificial intelligence, and improve people’s lives,” Petro said.

Petro also emphasized the need for global cooperation in response to an increasingly complex international environment. Without naming the U.S., he criticized unilateral practices by some countries and called for solidarity to protect the interests of developing nations.

China praised Colombia’s contribution to the China-CELAC Forum as the current CELAC rotating chair and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening China-LAC partnerships as part of broader South-South cooperation.