Relations With Latin America and Caribbean Region

China's Relations With Latin America And Caribbean Countries

China's presence in Latin America and the Caribbean countries has increased in the past decade following the country's improved diplomatic initiatives. China has essentially increased its presence in this region through establishing cultural, military, trade, and financial relations. To enhance its diplomatic ties with Latin America and the Caribbean countries, China has used several foreign policy initiatives that have contributed to deeper relations. Actually, the strategies used by China to develop ties with Latin America and the Caribbean countries have not only deepened relations but pose an imminent threat to the United States.

One of the ways through which China has achieved its deeper relations with Latin America and the Caribbean countries is through emphasizing on developing South-South cooperation. This emphasis has granted governments and business in the region an alternative to the U.S., which has in turn created stronger political, military, economic, trade, and cultural relations with China. Secondly, China has increased its financing and investments in Latin America and the Caribbean even though the U.S. is still considered the region's preferred economic partner. The increased financing and investments have helped create a far-reaching economic relationship with China.

Third, China has shown interest in Latin America and the Caribbean countries in various ways, particularly acquisition of raw materials and seeking endorsement from international organizations in the region. Unlike the United States that has ignored some Caribbean countries, China continues to demonstrate increase interest in the entire region. The increased interest is also shown in high-level visits by Chinese government officials and involvement in regional organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean countries. The other aspect of increased interest in Latin America and the Caribbean region is the establishment of Confucius Institute.

US and Cuba Diplomatic Relations

The relations between the United States and Cuba have been characterized by a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolations. This policy has been adopted by successive administrations in the United States since the 1960s. One of the major factors that have fueled such relations with Cuba is the communist political ideology by Castro's regime. However, in the past few years, the U.S. and Cuba have resumed diplomatic and other relations after many decades. President Obama and Raul Castro have played a crucial role in the re-establishment of relations between the two countries.

President Obama was elected into office seeking improved engagement with Cuba, which has played a vital role in re-establishment of the countries' diplomatic and other relations. The first initiative that has contributed to resumption of these relations is President Obama's reversal of some restrictions that had been established by his predecessor, President George Bush. In 2009, President Obama reversed sanctions on remittances and travel that were established by the Bush administration. This was followed by granting American telecommunication firms liberty to offer cellular and satellite service in Cuba.