Reportedly, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has dismissed several diplomatic staff in China.
During a Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, Petro expressed concerns that the Colombian diplomats in China were obstructing relations between the two nations. He accused them of “altering” official agendas without reason and instructed Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio to terminate the implicated staff.
“We have a disgraceful foreign ministry complicating our relationship with China. Everyone involved must go. I seek connections with everyone globally; it’s not about humanity—it’s colonialism.”
He added that changes within the Chinese embassy often interfered with scheduled meetings and reservations without prior notice.
Petro, who cannot seek reelection next year and is expected to step down in August 2026, made these claims amid rising tensions with the United States. Historically, Colombia has maintained a friendly relationship with the U.S. for two centuries.
At the same meeting, Petro condemned the US military, suggesting that he does not support President Trump, whom he accused of endorsing “genocide” in Gaza. During the recent UN General Assembly, Petro participated in protests against Israel, urging US troops to oppose Trump and proposing a multinational force to support Gaza and “free Palestine.” However, he’s yet to clarify the purpose of this proposed force.
The U.S. State Department responded by revoking Petro’s visa due to what they deemed “reckless” behavior, prompting the Colombian Foreign Ministry to criticize this action as an infringement on free speech. Petro’s calls to the military represent ongoing tensions between his administration and the U.S.
In recent years, Petro has visited various Asian countries, aiming to strengthen ties with China. His latest trip was in May, where he signed contracts involving China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This took place during a broader meeting of Latin American and Caribbean community representatives.
Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping met again in 2025, shortly after former Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leiva raised concerns about Petro’s alleged drug addiction. Leiva highlighted “outrageous incidents” involving Petro and foreign officials that he suggested indicated Petro’s issues. One such incident occurred during Petro’s initial meeting with Xi in 2023.
Leiva recounted how Petro dismissed the importance of discussing Bogota’s unfinished subway projects during talks with Xi, despite warnings from China’s embassy that the topic was not significant for Xi.
“You [Petro] ignored him [Xi] as if he were invisible. I spent two hours with Xi, while you were basically absent,” Leiva stated in his letter.
In his correspondence, Leiva urged Congress to investigate Petro for his purported addiction, emphasizing significant irregularities in Petro’s behavior and proposing an inquiry into his conduct.
In addition to restructuring Colombian diplomatic relations with China, Petro reportedly directed the removal of other diplomats who do not align with his political views.
“I come from a background of feudal diplomacy, so every ambassador I identify as ‘white’ is dismissed,” Petro remarked. “The current Colombian diplomats lead us to court, and I will replace them with people who align with my vision for international relations.”
The local Foreign Workers Union responded with a protest letter, expressing support for career diplomats and criticizing Petro’s claims of “feudal diplomacy.” They highlighted that career positions are filled through merit-based competitions, emphasizing their professional training and experience rather than political affiliations.
Petro, who was mayor of Bogota from 2012 to 2015, has shown a keen interest in the capital’s subway development—a project he was unable to advance during his tenure. Recently, he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing subway construction, claiming it was not progressing as desired.
The first Chinese-made train for the subway’s Line 1 recently arrived in Bogota in September, though the project remains incomplete.
