Colombia’s balancing act amid Great Power Competition - By Johan Marulanda

Due to geopolitical, economic, and strategic factors, Colombia has grabbed the attention of the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union, all having different interests and agendas in their relationships with the Andean . [...] China and Colombia established a free trade agreement which was put into force in 2013, and China has become the second largest destination for Colombian exports and the second largest country of origin for imports into Colombia. [...] China’s engagement in Colombia will likely stay largely commercial and economic, and like most countries in Latin America, Colombia will likely continue to court China in efforts of diversifying trade and investment. [...] China’s investment often seeks the path of least resistance, and the US’s strong and pervasive presence in the Andean country creates some resistance, especially for creating large agreements like having Colombia join the BRI. [...] The US will likely have a rapprochement with Colombia in the near future and will not favor China’s growing presence in its Latin American stronghold.