Introduction to Chen Daojiang and His Arrival in Mexico
Chen Daojiang, the new Chinese ambassador to Mexico, arrived on June 30th, six weeks after the arrival of Ronald Douglas Johnson, the US ambassador to Mexico. In his first official speech, Chen expressed China’s willingness to strengthen the Belt and Road Initiative’s integration with Mexico’s Plan México. He emphasized that numerous Chinese companies are eager to invest in Mexico and establish themselves there, requesting “a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment.”
US Concerns and China’s Growing Presence in Mexico
The United States is concerned about China’s increasing presence in Mexico, particularly near the border and in strategic sectors such as mining, telecommunications, and automotive industries. Mexico has a robust relationship with China, being its second-largest commercial partner and an active investor with hidden presence in official statistics. This relationship has grown significantly over the past two decades, but the current Mexican government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to prioritize negotiations with the United States.
Belt and Road Initiative: A Massive International Infrastructure Project
Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is a significant international infrastructure project involving over 68 countries, including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and most Central American nations. It would be intriguing to see how this initiative could be integrated with Mexico’s Plan México under different circumstances.
Political Context and Challenges
Gerardo Fernández Noroña, present at the Chinese Embassy event, expressed enthusiasm for intensifying bilateral relations. However, his stance does not reflect the official position. With Donald Trump in the White House and now Joe Biden, advancing relations with China in Mexico has proven challenging. The 30% tariff, known as the Fentanyl Tariff, set to take effect on August 1st, highlights concerns about potential collaboration between Mexican cartels and Chinese companies.
Key Questions and Answers
- What role will China play in Mexico’s future? China aims to strengthen its Belt and Road Initiative’s integration with Mexico’s Plan México, encouraging Chinese investments in the country.
- How do US concerns affect China’s growing presence in Mexico? The United States is wary of China’s expanding influence, particularly in strategic sectors and regions close to the border.
- Can Mexico provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese investments? Currently, challenges such as the Fentanyl Tariff complicate this possibility.
- Is China an option if the relationship with the US deteriorates further? This remains a significant question, as Mexico is attractive to China, but the US will likely resist Chinese advancement in a strategic security interest region.
As of mid-July 2025, the relationship between Mexico and China remains complex due to US concerns. The López Obrador administration has maintained a cautious approach, prioritizing negotiations with the United States. The future of China’s role in Mexico will depend on how these dynamics evolve.
