US Secretary of State Rubio arrives in Colombia to clarify China ties, sign minerals deal

On Tuesday, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio journeyed to Colombia to discuss critical minerals, civil nuclear cooperation, and the country's relationship with China. This marked the first visit by a cabinet-level US official since President Abelardo de la Espriella took office a month ago. During the meeting, the agenda included the Colombian government's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese investments in key infrastructure projects.

Rubio expressed that Colombia and China share common goals in combating regional transnational criminal terrorism and fostering economic engagements. Both nations are known for their participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, with Colombia boasting coal, nickel, and copper reserves. These resources have been in high demand, particularly for the battery and electronics industries, which are dominated by China.

The meeting took place in Barranquilla, a Colombian port city that has served as a second presidential office for President De la Espriella since he assumed office. He emphasized that the visit marked the beginning of a strategic alliance with the United States, which he described as Colombia's primary regional partner. The Colombian leader is currently on a three-nation tour that will take him to Ecuador and Peru following Barranquilla.

Rubio's itinerary included meetings with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Keiko Fujimori, who assumed the presidency of Peru in July. US State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott highlighted that Rubio would discuss cooperation against narcoterrorism, aid provided after the deadly earthquake that struck western and central Colombia in August, and the advantages of enhancing commercial ties between the two countries. The announcement did not mention China.

De la Espriella had previously endorsed a security alliance with the United States, endorsing Trump's call to eradicate cocaine and dismantle trafficking groups. He also requested that the US government suspend the 12.5 percent tariff on Colombian goods, including cut flowers, to alleviate the economic impact of the earthquake.