China increases sphere of influence into Latin America

According to the Assoicated Press, China will launch Free trade talks with Costa Rica in Janurary of 2009. China's trade with the region has jumped from $10 Billion dollars in 2000 to $102.6 Billion dollars as of last year, which had made China Costa Rica's second most important trading partner. Other countries in the region that China has discussed Free Trade agreements with are Chile and Peru. This speaks to China's growing sphere of influence over world economic affairs. Its ability to gain trading allies will further strengthen China's economic juggernaut and its growing status on the world's stage.