ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how China’s international communication strategy vis-à-vis Latin America has evolved from a mere external actor to an increasingly close partner. After evaluating the limitations of the traditional approach of targeting the region through print and broadcast media, it analyzes some recent developments, such as the organization of Chinese-Latin American media summits, the participation of Latin American journalists in training courses in China, and the signing of co-operation agreements. Active engagement with both media organizations and news practitioners has become crucial for China’s public diplomacy approach in Latin America. This chapter argues that, while engagement with local partners has the potential to confer Chinese media with greater agency to shape China’s image, there might be implications for the public sphere(s) in the region: if gate-keeping and editorial powers lie with Beijing, framing and discussion of matters of public interest could be affected if deemed unfavourable to China’s interests.
