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China signals openness to Colombia’s Trump-backed president-elect despite US tilt
🇨🇳 China /Elections & Politics

China signals openness to Colombia’s Trump-backed president-elect despite US tilt

From South China Morning Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • China congratulated Colombia on its presidential election and expressed readiness to work with the incoming government.
  • The congratulations came despite the president-elect's pro-US stance and promises to revive a US-funded program.
  • The election result is preliminary, with the losing candidate challenging the count and alleging irregularities.

Beijing has signaled its willingness to engage with Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, despite his strong pro-United States platform. China congratulated Colombia on its presidential run-off, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stating that Beijing views the bilateral relationship from a "strategic height and long-term perspective."

China expressed readiness to work with the new government to advance ties. This comes as de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer, narrowly won a preliminary count against his leftist rival, Senator Ivan Cepeda. De la Espriella's campaign centered on a security alliance with the U.S. and Israel, and he secured an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

China … congratulates Colombia on the smooth second round of presidential elections.

— Guo JiakunChina's Foreign Ministry spokesman commenting on the Colombian presidential election results.

His policy promises include reviving Plan Colombia, a U.S.-funded military and counter-narcotics program that has historically anchored the countries' alliance. However, the election outcome is not yet final, as Cepeda is contesting results from approximately 33,000 polling stations. The outgoing President Gustavo Petro's coalition has also alleged irregularities without providing evidence.

from a strategic height and long-term perspective

— Guo JiakunChina's Foreign Ministry spokesman describing Beijing's view of its relationship with Colombia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by South China Morning Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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