China, Latin America collaboration grows through tech innovation

In the lush Nahuelbuta mountain range of Chile, an innovative partnership is helping protect Darwin's fox, one of Latin America's rarest animals.

Through the Tech4Nature project, developed by Chinese tech giant Huawei, cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are assisting local conservationists in safeguarding this endangered species. With an acoustic monitoring platform created with nonprofit Rainforest Connection, the technology identifies animal sounds and alerts rangers to potential threats like poaching and illegal logging. This quick response capability is proving essential for preserving fragile ecosystems.

This initiative is one example of China's growing impact in Latin America through technology. Beyond protecting wildlife, China's digital and AI technologies are also contributing to other areas of environmental conservation and economic development.

For instance, Chinese scientists are supporting marine ecosystem research in Ecuador through digital twin technology, which simulates oceanic systems to provide valuable data for conservation efforts. Also, Chinese cloud technology has deepened its presence in markets like Brazil and Mexico, helping local enterprises reduce costs and securely store data more efficiently.

China-Latin America cooperation in scientific and technological innovation has also yielded significant results, including the China-Brazil Earth resources satellite cooperation and the establishment of an astronomy research center in Chile.

"China's development in 5G technology, low-carbon solutions and energy transformation is not just an economic opportunity but also a contribution to combating climate change," said Marco Aurelio Alves de Mendonca, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Applied Economic Research. He added that these innovations are expected to pave the way for future cooperation.

Professor Yuan Dongzhen, deputy director of the Latin American Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, notes that China-Latin America cooperation is evolving rapidly.

"Traditional areas of collaboration have strengthened, while new fields are experiencing significant growth," Yuan said. Areas such as green energy, digital economy, satellite technology and cross-border e-commerce have become key pillars of this partnership.

Technological collaboration is also boosting infrastructure connectivity. 

By September 2023, China had completed over 200 infrastructure projects across Latin America, including railways, airports and power facilities, which have supported local employment and spurred economic growth. In Peru, the Chancay Port project, led by China's COSCO Shipping, promises to enhance trade between Latin America and Asia.

"Once operational, the port will reduce shipping time between Peru and China, transforming Peru into a major gateway for Latin American goods," Aquino noted. Peruvian businessman Sen Rui echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how such projects will benefit local traders by reducing transit times by half.

Another project, the renovation and expansion of St. John's Harbor in Antigua and Barbuda, was completed in 2022 under China's Belt and Road Initiative. Now a key transport hub in the Caribbean, the harbor can simultaneously accommodate multiple container and cruise ships, further strengthening regional connectivity.

Driven by the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, investment cooperation between China and Latin America in various fields has become more vibrant. China's investment in Latin America continues to grow, reaching a total of $596.2 billion by the end of 2022, nearly seven times the 2013 figure.

Collaboration in high-tech areas, including green energy and space exploration, has become a major focus, with Chinese tech companies advancing digital infrastructure across the region. By introducing 5G, cloud computing and digital village projects, Latin America has become a pivotal partner in China's global digital economy efforts.