Costa Rica in a diplomatic spat with its new ally in China over exporting of labor

A recent diplomatic spat between China and Costa Rica — which gained little notice outside the Spanish-language press — is the latest example of challenges Beijing faces in its effort to expand its influence overseas.

 

Laura Chinchilla, president of Costa Rica, and Chinese representatives have downplayed a recent diplomatic scuffle between the two countries.

 

The barb-trading centered on efforts by a Chinese construction firm to obtain visas for Chinese laborers in Costa Rica. Exporting labor is a key element of China’s overseas push in places like Africa and Latin America.

 

Original source: Wall Street Journal blog