Suriname’s Albert Ramdin Elected OAS Secretary-General: A Watershed Moment for China’s Influence in Latin America

On March 10, 2025, Suriname’s Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin was elected Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), marking a historic milestone for Caribbean representation in hemispheric leadership. Ramdin, backed by over 20 governments and overt Chinese support, secured the position after his sole opponent, Paraguay’s Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, withdrew due to insufficient support. This election underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, particularly Beijing’s expanding influence amid waning U.S. engagement under the Trump administration.

Key Details of the Election

• Unanimous Acclamation: Ramdin was elected by acclamation during the OAS General Assembly, reflecting broad regional consensus. He will serve a five-year term (2025–2030), succeeding Uruguay’s Luis Almagro.
• Historic First: Ramdin is the first Caribbean national to lead the OAS, a win for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which rallied behind his candidacy.
• Support Base: Backing came from progressive governments (Brazil, Bolivia, Chile), centrist states (Mexico, Costa Rica), and the U.S., which abstained from opposition despite concerns.

Ramdin’s Profile and China Connection

Diplomatic Career:

• OAS Veteran: Served as Assistant Secretary-General (2005–2015), earning recognition for conflict resolution in Honduras and Haiti.
• Suriname’s Foreign Minister: Since 2020, he deepened ties with China, advocating for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and supporting the “One China” policy.

China’s Role:

• Strategic Alignment: Ramdin’s tenure saw Suriname secure Chinese investments in infrastructure and mining, increasing economic dependency on Beijing. During a 2023 meeting with Chinese FM Wang Yi, Ramdin reaffirmed Suriname’s adherence to the One China policy, opposing Taiwan’s independence.
• Chinese Backing: Beijing openly endorsed Ramdin, contrasting with U.S. disengagement. China’s ambassador to Colombia framed the election as a rejection of the Monroe Doctrine, declaring, “Latin America is no one’s backyard.”

Implications for the OAS and Regional Dynamics

Shift from Almagro’s Era:

• Ramdin’s leadership signals a departure from the Trump-aligned, confrontational approach of Luis Almagro, who prioritized isolating Venezuela and Nicaragua.
• Priorities: Ramdin emphasized “constructive dialogue,” climate action, and sustainable development, aligning with Caribbean concerns over debt and natural disasters.

Challenges Ahead:

1. Venezuela Crisis: Balancing demands for democracy with regional calls to reintegrate Venezuela into the OAS.
2. U.S.-China Tensions: Navigating Trump’s trade disputes and Beijing’s growing clout.
3. Institutional Relevance: The OAS faces criticism as a “talk shop”; Ramdin must address budget constraints and member-state fragmentation.

China’s Expanding Footprint in Latin America

Economic Inroads:

• Trade: China is Latin America’s second-largest trading partner ($257 billion in 2023), focusing on commodities (soy, copper, lithium).
• BRI Projects: 22 Latin American countries have joined the BRI, including strategic ventures like Peru’s $3.6 billion Chancay megaport, which bypasses the Panama Canal.

Political Influence:

• Diplomatic Leverage: China’s support for Ramdin follows its pattern of backing leaders who endorse its policies, such as Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega and Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.
• Resource Security: Investments in the “lithium triangle” (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile) secure critical minerals for China’s green energy transition.

International Reactions

• U.S. Concerns: Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) warned Ramdin’s ties to China could undermine OAS principles, citing Suriname’s “economic dependence” on Beijing. The Trump administration, however, avoided confrontation, prioritizing countering China elsewhere.
• CARICOM Celebration: Hailed as a victory for small states, CARICOM praised Ramdin’s “consensus-building” expertise.
• EU Anxiety: The European Parliament noted China’s dominance in critical raw materials, urging faster ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade pact to counterbalance Beijing.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Declining U.S. Influence:

• Trump’s “America First” policies and indifference to multilateralism have ceded space to China. The U.S. remains Latin America’s top trade partner but lags in diplomatic engagement.

China’s Strategic Playbook:

• Debt Diplomacy: Loans and infrastructure investments (e.g., Suriname’s infrastructure projects) deepen economic ties.
• Soft Power: Cultural exchanges and support for regional bodies like CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) bolster political alliances.

Conclusion: A New Era for the OAS?

Albert Ramdin’s election reflects Latin America’s push for greater autonomy and China’s success in filling vacuums left by traditional powers. While Ramdin’s technocratic approach may stabilize the OAS, his alignment with Beijing risks polarizing the organization further. The U.S. and EU face urgent challenges to reassert influence through economic partnerships and democratic solidarity. As Ramdin takes office in May 2025, his ability to balance competing interests—while addressing migration, climate change, and authoritarian regimes—will determine whether the OAS evolves into a relevant force or remains sidelined in a divided hemisphere.

Key Takeaways:

1. China’s Influence: Ramdin’s election consolidates Beijing’s role as a power broker in Latin America.
2. Caribbean Ascendance: Marks a shift toward greater representation for small states in regional governance.
3. OAS Reform Test: Ramdin must revitalize the organization amid rising U.S.-China rivalry and internal fragmentation.

This pivotal moment underscores the transformative impact of China’s long-term strategy in a region increasingly resistant to external dominance—whether from Washington or Beijing.