China’s export boom has surged Chinese share in the global export market and has created general concern as to the threat China poses to both U.S. economic dominance and to the developing economies directly competing with Chinese manufacturing. The recent focus of
Chinese investment in Mexican manufacturing has generated considerable press and commentary about the danger of Chinese influence in the very ‘backyard’ of the United States. The increasing interdependence between the three nations presents a range of opportunities amid apparent risks, at its best portending an enduring and profitable bond between the three economies. The author assesses and weighs these opportunities and risks in light of the success and failure record of the maquiladora industry over the past 10 years and the changing features and demands of China’s export model. The author’s conclusion.
lead to suggestions for further research into the possibility that, as China deepens its
economic links to Mexico, it may perceive a similarly vested interest in Mexican security
issues.