Weekly Report - 10 September 2026 (WR-26-36)

Mexico’s foreign minister, Roberto Velasco, has travelled to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. During a meeting between the pair on 7 September, Velasco expressed Mexico’s desire to boost relations with China, while Wang stated that relations between the two countries should not be influenced by third parties. This comes as Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has faced pressure from the US administration of President Donald Trump to reduce its ties with China, particularly in the area of trade. Mexico has appeared to work to placate the US on the issue, notably by the introduction of tariffs on imports from China, among other countries, at the start of the year. However, Velasco’s visit underscores the enduring importance of the China-Mexico bilateral relationship and the geopolitical balancing act the country is facing in keeping both Washington and Beijing happy.