US trade woes pushing Latin America towards China, Russia
Latin American countries could "break their dependence" on the US and allow Russia and China to play a key role in the region, according to Venezuelan political analyst Ernesto Wong. He added that Donald Trump's nullification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership established the importance of the Pacific Alliance's continued trade ties with Beijing. Additionally, Wong reported that the 20 January meeting between Beijing and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) found possibilities for exchanging public and private capital. Wong also indicated that he expects Latin American countries to increase investments in Africa.

In an interview with Sputnik Mundo , Venezuelan political analyst Ernesto Wong said that in Latin America, there are several factors which have given rise to the hope that this year will see a number of key political changes in the region.

One of these factors is the willingness of some regional governments to "break their dependence" on the United States and allow Russia and China to play a key role in the region, according to Wong.

"Latin America is at odds with Washington but it is developing friendly ties with China and Russia, which is why in 2017 the region is expected to overcome the imperialist dependence on the US and to establish more favorable conditions for exchange… trade and investment with Russia and China," Wong said.