Petro to Sign China Investment Deal as Beijing’s Influence Grows

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he plans to sign up to China’s Belt and Road initiative, potentially boosting Beijing’s growing influence while further souring his relationship with the US.

“We have decided to take a profound step forward between China and Latin America,” Petro said from the Great Wall of China on Monday, during a state visit. Any commercial treaty would need to be approved by Colombia’s congress.