This event seeks to examine the evolving nature of China’s strategic engagement in the Western Hemisphere, with particular emphasis on mechanisms of influence, institutional penetration, and long-term geopolitical positioning.

Rather than approaching the issue solely through the lens of trade or investment, the discussion will focus on how state and non-state instruments can shape political, economic, and institutional environments in ways that alter sovereignty, governance capacity, and democratic resilience.

The case of Venezuela will be incorporated as a critical reference point to explore how external influence, when combined with internal institutional fragility, can contribute to systemic transformation beyond conventional geopolitical frameworks.