The growing presence and influence of China in Latin America is well-known and widely discussed.  Less well known is how the people of the region perceive the growing Chinese presence, how it impacts their lives and shapes relations between Latin America and China.  The Wilson Center’s Latin American Program and Vanderbilt University's Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) brought together a panel of experts to discuss public perceptions of China in the region and how these compare to public perceptions of the United States.  Special attention was given to the relationship between these perceptions and policy choices by governments in Latin America, the United States and China. Presentations were based on findings from the 2012 AmericasBarometer biennial survey by LAPOP.

Panelists are:

Elizabeth J. Zechmeister, Vanderbilt University
Dinorah Azpuru, Wichita State University
Kang Liu, Duke University and Shanghai Jiaotong University, China

Commentary by:  Daniel Erikson, Department of State, Western Hemisphere Affairs