Enhancing Cooperation Between MERCOSUR and China for Innovation

Abstract

Since the implementation of the “Made in China 2025” and “Internet Plus” initiative, China's central government has focused on transforming the economy into one driven by innovation. However, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions—particularly the US trade war—countries now must accelerate their efforts to diversify its international partnerships, reduce dependency on the American market, and build resilient cooperation frameworks. This paper discusses the importance of China's foreign affairs approach to diminish the reliance on trade and infrastructure building and increase cooperation on science and technology particularly in the MERCOSUR context. Finally, this paper aims to propose enhanced cooperation between China and MERCOSUR members through a bilateral agreement that focuses on the Digital Economy through the exploration of joint efforts for trade investments and strategy exchange framework in technology and sciences-related topics in selected industries.