Infrastructure Diplomacy: Heine’s Perspective
On October 8, 2023, Amb. Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future was featured in a Financial Times publication, responding to their earlier story “US fears mounting China control of Peru infrastructure”. In his letter titled “Latin America must be able to develop free of US-China rivalry,” Professor Heine addresses a pressing issue regarding the development of infrastructure in Latin America, particularly South America, in the context of the US-China rivalry.
Heine questions whether Latin America should halt or slow down its infrastructure development due to concerns raised by the US about Chinese involvement. He highlights the impact of such decisions on Latin America’s economic growth and development and whether it should side with the US in the great power competition with China.
Furthermore, Professor Heine emphasizes that US objections to Chinese companies’ involvement in crucial infrastructure projects in the region, such as the deepwater port of Chancay in Peru, exacerbate Latin America’s existing infrastructure deficit and hinder its international competitiveness. He argues that these objections, without providing viable alternatives, may be contributing to the region’s underperformance and underdevelopment.
In the face of these challenges, Jorge Heine’s insights shed light on the complex dynamics of international infrastructure development and its impact on Latin America’s quest for growth and progress. Please read the full letter at the Financial Times.
Ambassador Jorge Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He has served as ambassador of Chile to China (2014-2017), to India (2003-2007), and to South Africa (1994-1999), and as a Cabinet Minister in the Chilean Government. Read more about Ambassador Heine on his Pardee School faculty profile.