With Daniel Noboa returning to the presidency and a new Chinese ambassador on the way, China-Ecuador relations are at an inflection point.
From April 22-25, I had the opportunity to travel to Quito, Ecuador, to address an international forum on China and Latin America, held by the prestigious San Francisco of Quito University and FLACSO Ecuador. My participation in the event also enabled me to speak with colleagues from across the region on Beijing’s activities in Ecuador and the rest of the region.
The event itself showcased China’s advance in Ecuador, not only in commerce, but also in other domains, and in the aggressiveness with which Beijing asserts its interests in the country. Unlike many China-financed platforms, the Quito forum included a range of both positive and critical perspectives about China’s relationship with the region.
Because the forum was not limited solely to pro-China speakers and talking points, in the weeks leading up to the event, the Chinese embassy in Quito reached out to both of the Ecuadorian institutional hosts, trying to convince them to cancel it. To their credit, both institutions defended their right to academic freedom and integrity in holding the event. China then went further, working through social media to convince some invited presenters not to participate.
The timing of the Quito forum was propitious, occurring at an inflection point in the Ecuador-China relationship. Just 10 days before the event, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa won an 11-point victory over Luisa Gonzalez in the second round of national elections. Chinese President Xi Jinping was reportedly among the first international leaders to congratulate Noboa on his victory.
Background image of Viviana Veloz, then the first vice president of the National Assembly of Ecuador, receives Chinese Ambassador to Ecuador Chen Gouyou, and Wang Yulin, director general for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CCP, September 2024, via the Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/2025/05/ecuadors-incoming-government-faces-difficult-choices-regarding-china/)