China's Environmental Cooperation and Responses of LAC countries in Times of polycrises

Chile, Brazil and Mexico

Abstract

This paper analyzes the political processes through which Latin American countries with abundant energy resources have responded to China's environmental cooperation initiatives, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and climate change. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have reshaped global climate politics, drawing increased attention to the role of major powers and the climate commitments of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Although developing countries are not legally bound to reduce emissions under the Paris Agreement, they face growing international pressure to contribute to global decarbonization efforts. However, internal political and economic conflicts have hindered progress in many cases.　Despite these constraints, several LAC countries have successfully initiated energy transitions, with varying levels of technical and financial support from China. Yet, responses to China’s involvement differ considerably across the region. While some states have welcomed cooperation, others have opted for energy self-sufficiency and limited engagement. This paper argues that such diversity cannot be fully explained by the conventional “China threat” or “Chinese dependency” narrative.

To understand these variations, this study examines the international and domestic political dynamics of decarbonization before and after the recent polycrises. It identifies three key factors shaping the extent of China’s policy engagement: geopolitical proximity to the United States, the state–business relationship, and shifts in political ideology at the national level. Using a comparative case study of Chile and Brazil, and Mexico, the paper classifies patterns of response into three categories—promotion, neutrality, and restriction. While all three countries have enacted climate policies with emission reduction targets, Chile and Brazil have deepened cooperation with China, whereas Mexico has constrained it. The findings offer a revised interpretation of China–LAC relations that goes beyond traditional notions of economic complementarity. Instead, they highlight the agency of LAC states in strategically managing environmental cooperation with external powers.