About the event

The Council of the Americas, Americas Quarterly, and the National Endowment for Democracy hosted a deep-dive discussion on China’s new agenda for engagement in the Americas. This public program highlighted an issue of Americas Quarterly dedicated to exploring in depth the many facets of China’s regional engagement, with a panel discussion of contributors and experts moderated by the Editor-in-Chief.

Perhaps no issue this century in the Americas has been as significant as China’s rise, from a limited presence to becoming the top trade partner of much of South America and a major investor across the region. Over time, Beijing also has become more deeply invested in the region’s media, education, and ideas sphere. Given the extent of China’s engagement, no issue in regional affairs has stirred more debate in Washington and elsewhere.

What has occurred? Where is the relationship going? What are the economic and democratic governance implications for Latin America and the Caribbean? And how should the region respond?

keynote remarks:

Kim Breier, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. State Department

Panelists:

Otaviano Canuto, Principal, Center for Macroeconomics and Development

Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas

Shanthi Kalathil, Senior Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracies

Martin Maciak, Head of Asia Origination and RMB Internationalization, Americas, HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

Christopher Walker, Vice President for Studies and Analysis, National Endowment for Democracy

Moderated by:

Brian Winter, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas and Editor in Chief, Americas Quarterly