Southern Hospitality

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On his 12-day tour of Latin America, China's President Hu Jintao proved himself a master of manners. Rule 1: never go to a host's house empty-handed. Hu announced more than $30 billion worth of long-term contracts and new investments in Central and South America, and his newfound friends returned the favors: Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru said they recognized China as a "market economy"—not a developing one—strengthening China's bid for better trade terms from the World Trade Organization. Hu's largesse included:

• BRAZIL $8.5 billion in investments over 10 years

• ARGENTINA $20 billion in railway and energy investments

• CUBA A joint venture in Cuba's nickel industry and $6 million for health care.

• PERU Influx of more Chinese tourists and businessmen

• CHILE Talks on a free-trade pact