Mexico’s foreign policy course in the context of the US-China confrontation

American-Chinese confrontation is increasingly influencing the formation of Mexico’s foreign policy course. Traditionally relying on the doctrine of non-intervention and sovereignty, while maintaining pragmatic nationalism in its foreign policy, Mexico has demonstrated successful navigation between the interests of Beijing and Washington. Under the government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), the country pursued a strategy of multilateral cooperation without making an explicit geopolitical choice. The foreign policy course was characterized by the desire to maximize benefits from both powers while avoiding involvement in their confrontation, which corresponded to the historical tradition of Mexican sovereignty and the pragmatism of the Morena party. Nevertheless, the global rivalry between the United States and China has significantly influenced Mexico’s foreign policy dynamics. Since 2020, Washington has imposed extensive trade restrictions and tariffs against China, prompting American companies to redirect production and procurement to more "friendly" regions, including Mexico, which, due to its geographic proximity and preferences under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA/USMCA), has become a major beneficiary of this shift. On the other hand, China has not abandoned its ambitious policy of expanding influence in the region. Beijing actively invests in Mexican infrastructure and industry, supplies telecommunications equipment and technologies, and participates in the development of renewable energy and manufacturing. This has raised concerns in the United States, which sees the growth of Chinese presence as a threat to its technological and economic security. Moreover, Mexico has become involved in the trilateral problem of the fentanyl crisis, which has increased the need for diplomatic coordination between Washington, Mexico City, and Beijing. An analysis of Mexico’s diplomatic steps shows that the country strives to maintain a balance between the United States and China. Mexico supports a multivector policy, refrains from harsh condemnation of China on contentious international issues, maintaining the principle of non-intervention, while strengthening ties with the United States within the framework of joint economic and political initiatives. Despite this, political and economic challenges related to the growing influence of China and the tightening of U.S. positions lead to a reconsideration of foreign policy.