Connecting East & West

Chapter 10 Conversation with Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos

In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos, former Ambassador of Colombia to China, to discuss the current state and future of Colombia–China relations. In the context of Colombia’s ongoing presidential elections, they explore the strategic importance of China as a long-term partner, the opportunities it presents for Colombian businesses, and key insights from Monsalve’s recent book The Walled Dragon (El dragón amurallado), reflecting on diplomacy, culture, and doing business in China.

Chapter 9 Conversation with Aurelio Montes

In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Aurelio Montes, co-founder of the prestigious Montes Winery, one of Chile’s most internationally renowned wine producers. Together, they explore Montes’ successful journey across Asian markets—including China, Japan, and South Korea—and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and long-term potential for Chilean wine in India as the industry’s next frontier.

Chapter 8 Conversation with Margaret Myers

Luis Alberto Pino speaks with Margaret Myers, a leading expert on China–Latin America dynamics. The conversation examines China’s evolving role in the region and the opportunities and challenges facing Latin America amid growing geopolitical competition.

Chapter 7 Conversation with Jorge Heine

In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Ambassador Jorge Heine, former Chilean ambassador to China, India, and South Africa, to explore his latest thinking on global diplomacy. Drawing on his recent books — The Non‑Aligned World: Striking Out in an Era of Great Power Competition, Latin American Foreign Policies in the New World Order: The Active Non‑Alignment Option, and Xi‑Na in the Century of the Dragon: What Everyone Should Know About China — the conversation examines the resurgence of Active Non‑Alignment, the rise of China, and how Latin America can navigate great‑power rivalry in an increasingly multipolar world.

Chapter 6 Conversation with Carlos Kuriyana

In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Carlos Kuriyama, Director of the Policy Support Unit at the APEC Secretariat. Having been based in Singapore for nearly two decades, Carlos brings a uniquely grounded Asia‑Pacific perspective shaped by both regional policymaking and deep familiarity with Latin American economic realities. Drawing on his experience as a former chief negotiator for Peru and a leading trade policy expert, the conversation explores APEC’s role in advancing evidence‑based policy, the evolving dynamics of Asia–Latin America trade and investment, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for inclusive and sustainable growth across both regions.