US should end its 'backyard' zero-sum game

Premier Li Keqiang's ongoing visit to four Latin American countries reflects China's long-term commitment to the region, which should not be judged on the basis of the zero-sum game of rivalry, because it is based on win-win cooperation, equality and mutual respect.

Latin America, seen as the "backyard" of the United States since the 1823 declaration of the Monroe Doctrine, has undergone profound changes in recent years. Today, any mention of Latin America as "the US' backyard" will offend many in the region. That explains why US Secretary of State John Kerry had to say in November 2013 that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was over. His statement came about six months after he sparked protests in Latin America by using the term for the region.

Yet such terms have been let loose every time China has tried to boost its ties with Latin American countries in recent years. Some have alleged that China's closer engagement with the region is aimed at projecting its power in a region that the US believes to be under its influence.