Bachelet-led panel urges Latin America not to choose sides in US-China rivalry

A high-level commission, co-chaired by former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and former Colombian president Ivan Duque, has advised Latin American countries to avoid choosing sides in the US-China rivalry. The commission, whose report was released by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, suggests the region leverage its abundant strategic resources like lithium and copper to enhance its bargaining power. While advocating for diversification of trade and investment, particularly towards China, the report acknowledges significant constraints in security, technology, and critical infrastructure where the US maintains dominance. The commission proposes that countries can engage with different partners on various issues, maintaining security ties with Washington while seeking broader economic engagement.