Chongqing - Ahead of China’s annual Two Sessions, French entrepreneur, author, geopolitical commentator Arnaud Bertrand highlighted China’s appeal in the evolving world order. He emphasized that the country’s path of choice rather than exclusivity resonates globally and aligns with prevailing trends.

Bertrand noted that under the 15th Five-Year Plan and beyond, China will continue pursuing high-quality development and expanding high-standard opening-up, offering other countries an ever-longer “list of opportunities.” 

In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Latin America reached 518 billion U.S. dollars, making China South America’s largest trading partner. Cooperation spans free trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and industrial investment, including under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

He stressed that China’s model does not demand political realignment. Countries can engage economically with Beijing while maintaining ties elsewhere, a flexibility that contrasts with coercive approaches, which tend to prompt hedging rather than loyalty. 

Bertrand concluded that partnerships based on mutual benefit are more sustainable than zero-sum competition.