China has emerged as a new actor in Latin American affairs. Whereas a decade ago China was on the periphery of Latin American affairs, Sino-Latin American relations are now closely followed. Sino-Latin American relations are based on China's natural resources needs, but increasing economic relations have driven political and military ties, causing concern in the United States. China's goals in Latin America are long-term access to natural resources, promoting the 'one China' policy by isolating Taiwan, and avoiding conflict with the United States. China's third goal is complicated by Venezuela and Cuba's desire to form politically and ideologically strategic ties with China to counterbalance U.S. hegemony in the region. A comprehensive elaboration of Sino-Latin American relations is undertaken with a focus on the neorealist paradigm, balance of power considerations vis-a-vis the United States, and whether or not neorealism is an appropriate explanatory framework for China's rise in Latin American affairs.
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