China’s Threat to Mexico: A Warning for Peru, Chile, and Brazil

Web Editor

September 17, 2025

a typewriter with a face drawn on it and a caption for the words opinion and a question, Edward Otho

China’s Unmasked Aggression Towards Mexico

China has dropped the facade of diplomacy and asserted its imperial superpower status, delivering an ultimatum to Mexico. The Chinese government sternly warned, “Think twice before imposing tariffs on our products.”

Mexico’s Decision to Impose Tariffs

In response, Mexico announced this week that it would impose tariffs on 1,400 products from China, India, Turkey, and other countries. This move aims to safeguard domestic industries, boost consumption, and preserve 325,000 jobs.

China’s Disregard for Conditions

China’s Imperial Mindset: During the Latin American and Caribbean States Summit (CELAC) held in Beijing this year, China preached about equality and inclusion. However, it advised Mexico to accept tutelage and coercion.

The Illusion of Equality

Xi Jinping’s Deceptive Rhetoric: The Chinese leader’s promise to end Western “intimidation and hegemony” is a facade. In practice, China seeks only a shift in global leadership, devoid of democratic values or human rights.

China’s Actions in Latin America: A Case Study

Ecuador’s Debt Trap: China has implemented a debt trap model, unsupervised projects, and exploitation of sovereign natural resources. The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project exemplifies China’s authoritarian and failed projects.

Panama vs. China: The United States has decided to curb China’s growing influence in Panama. China attempted to manipulate and blackmail port activities through its operating companies, threatening investment delays, market access, and project financing.

Human Rights Concerns

Modern Slavery Allegations: China has faced accusations of practices similar to modern slavery, both domestically and internationally. Organizations like End Slavery Now highlight the repression and human rights abuses as significant challenges.

China’s Influence in Specific Countries

  1. Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticized “wild capitalism” and social injustices. However, Brazil and China are now under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in practices akin to modern slavery in an automobile factory.
  2. Peru: China has sought dominance, control, and special treatment in infrastructure and mining projects. Disregard for sovereignty, threats, and unsupervised projects are commonplace.
  3. Nicaragua: Under Daniel Ortega’s dictatorship, China has devastated natural resources, polluted rivers, destroyed forests, invaded indigenous communities, and extinguished rich ecosystems.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: What is China’s message to Mexico? A: China has delivered an unambiguous warning, urging Mexico to reconsider tariffs on Chinese products.
  • Q: Why did Mexico impose tariffs? A: Mexico aims to protect domestic industries, stimulate consumption, and safeguard jobs.
  • Q: How does China’s behavior reflect its true intentions? A: Despite preaching equality, China demonstrates an imperial mindset through coercion and disregard for conditions.
  • Q: What are the concerns regarding China’s actions in Latin America? A: There are allegations of modern slavery practices, unsupervised projects, and exploitation of natural resources.
  • Q: How are specific countries affected by China’s influence? A: Brazil, Peru, and Nicaragua face challenges related to human rights abuses, disregard for sovereignty, and environmental destruction.