Across Latin America, Mandarin Is in the Air

As a major customer of Latin America’s agricultural, energy and mineral resources, China has become a target of interest throughout South America. As a result, more business people in Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Chile study Chinese language. The US is the leading investor in South America, and English still stands as the second language of choice. Still, China funds all manner of Asian studies and language programs, and the high interest has surprised university administrators, with hundreds of students signing up for classes. The Chinese likewise study Spanish, as they pursue free trade agreements on the continent, the first with Chile. The boom in education and business programs reveal China’s growing interest in expanding its global influence. – YaleGlobal