Ferrovias do século XXI: investimento chinês na América Latina colaborando com o desenvolvimento territorial no Sul Global

Abstract

The research stems from an academic immersion in China, resulting from the UFMG-HUST partnership, which enabled the formulation of the concept of Large-Scale Transnational Infrastructure and Integration Projects (LTIIP). The thesis problematizes regional fragmentation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in light of global connectivity trends, using the China-Laos High-Speed Railway as a case study—the first mixed-use railway project aimed at integration in Southeast Asia via the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor (CICPEC). In order to assess the impacts of the Chinese presence on urban-regional development in LAC, we catalogued rail transport initiatives with Chinese participation in the 21st century and systematized this database through authoral diagrams. The results indicate a sporadic and still incipient resurgence of rail transport projects in LAC, reflecting a political-strategic vision in a preliminary stage regarding unified territorial management among Latin American and Caribbean countries. On the other hand, China's commitment to financing modernization processes in the sector is evident, with an emphasis on green mobility, mass transit, and people-centered approaches. Also noteworthy is the alignment of Chinese cooperation with national development plans and specific urban mobility agendas in force in LAC countries. Although there is low adherence to technology transfer agreements between LAC and China, we conclude that the Asian partner's role has contributed to propelling the Global South toward a more interconnected reality favorable to development with shared gains. The China-LAC partnership ultimately proves to be dynamic and susceptible to multiple future developments.