At the same time, Escalante argued that it is too simplistic to explain Latin America"s limited autonomy solely through external pressure. "Autonomy also depends on our own capacities. A country with strong institutions, a more diversified economy, lower levels of poverty and inequality, greater scientific and technological capabilities, and a long-term development strategy also has more room to decide with whom it wants to build relations and on what terms," she said.

　　Looking at Latin America, Escalante said one of the most important lessons from China"s experience is the country"s ability to define long-term goals and, above all, to translate them into concrete policies.

　　"Our countries have very different political systems, histories and social conditions, so this is not about copying the Chinese model," she told the Global Times. "However, we can reflect on the importance of building institutional systems that can plan, coordinate policies, ensure a certain degree of continuity and make public decisions truly take effect."

　　As the scholar put it, "China"s experience can prompt Latin America to ask an important question: how do we build states with enough capacity to turn development goals into concrete and lasting improvements in people"s lives?"