Business

Diálogo Chino’s top stories in 2017

A rundown of our most popular stories on China, Latin America and the environment in 2017
<p>Our special investigation into the contracts signed between Chinese companies and the governments of Ecuador and Venezuela was our most read article in 2017 (image: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidenciaecuador/44471677690/in/photolist-2aKNYpC-RoyHbh-2aKNXVb-2c78Pta-2c78Q86-2c78QU6-2aLSvb5-RpBC7N-2dvohCc-2aN9VMS-2dqktqb-RpByYJ-PMk4Rv-PMk5SZ-RpBAkS-2dvog5n-2dvogWx-2dvof1D-2dvogrz-2cpsAGC-2csKj1Q-2aN9XF1-2aN9WdS-2aN9Wu3-2aN9W4U-TTZ274-TTZddH-FG31CV-FG31Yz-25mirBH-YY72Jv-Pa5p7W-PnDZjD-XK9di7-Wtw5Au-WSgGyp-X1xZpo-Wtwagm-WPezHU-X54LbF-WPewgd-VMPqKC-X54DCk-X1xXmf-WtwvEh-WtwyrQ-WSgHzx-WPeAvA-WSgDyX-YKNdVH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Presidencia de la República del Ecuador</a>)</p>

Our special investigation into the contracts signed between Chinese companies and the governments of Ecuador and Venezuela was our most read article in 2017 (image: Presidencia de la República del Ecuador)

From the spread of the Odebrecht corruption scandal and Ecuador’s elections to the Venezuela crisis and the continued destruction of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Diálogo Chino brought you new perspectives on Latin America’s biggest stories in 2017. We also presented special reports examining the Chinese and Brazilian solar industries and the role of China in post-conflict reconstruction in Colombia one year on from the signing of the historic Peace Agreement. Here’s a list of our top 10 most read articles in 2017.

1)China: A demanding partner for Ecuador and Venezuela
Our special investigation reveals “unequal” conditions and confidentiality clauses in China contracts

2)Buen Vivir: A manifesto for the rights of nature
Global recognition of nature’s rights is gaining ground but implementation is a work in progress

3)Can Brazil replicate China’s successful solar industry? 
China’s booming solar market offers many lessons for other emerging economies

4)Why doesn’t Brazil have a solar industry?
Corruption and obsessions with hydro and fossil energies cast a shadow over Brazil’s solar sector

5)Corruption and crisis in Latin America open door for more Chinese investment 
Environmental concerns persist as Chinese companies eye space left by scandal-tainted contractor Odebrecht

6)China’s Amazon footprint gets scant attention in Ecuador’s election
Oil-for-loans deals with China have harmed Ecuador’s economy and ecology and should be reviewed

7)China and Colombia: building the peace?
Our special series on whether China’s role in developing post-conflict Colombia will help or undermine peace

8)Is Chinese development finance enabling rainforest destruction in Brazil?
Chinese funds could empower elites keen to advance energy and mining projects in sensitive biomes

9) Sinochem stuck without ‘social license’ to extract oil in Colombia
Communities in the southern department of Caquetá oppose drilling amid concerns over impacts on water and wildlife

10)Chinese investment can help conserve the environment in peace process Colombia
Colombians want Chinese investors eyeing opportunities to apply domestic environmental standards