Cultural Differences and Their Impact on Belt and Road Policy Implementation in Latin America: The Case of Infrastructure Cooperation

Since its launch in 2013, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded into Latin America, offering new prospects for infrastructure cooperation. However, cultural differences between Chinese and Latin American stakeholders have posed significant challenges to both policy coordination and project execution. This study applies cross-cultural theoretical frameworks to examine how linguistic barriers, decision-making structures, and legal-regulatory environments influence the implementation of infrastructure projects. Through selected case studies, it reveals how misaligned communication styles and institutional expectations can hinder cooperation, reduce efficiency, and affect long-term stakeholder trust. To address these challenges, the paper proposes two strategic approaches: promoting cultural adaptation through bilingual communication and community engagement, and improving organizational responsiveness by decentralizing management and aligning with local governance norms. The findings suggest that cultural integration is essential to the success of infrastructure initiatives under the BRI. By embedding intercultural awareness into project planning and execution, stakeholders can foster more effective, inclusive, and sustainable cooperation between China and Latin America.