Latest news with #Celac
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's ‘unstoppable' Latin America outreach gains ground as US uncertainty bites
China's high-profile outreach to Latin America underscores Beijing's expanding strategic emphasis on the region, according to Chinese observers, one of whom said solid China-Latin America ties would be 'unstoppable' if the United States continued its current approach toward its southern neighbours. Their comments followed the fourth ministerial meeting of the China- Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) Forum, held in Beijing on May 13. With key Celac leaders floating megaproject proposals during the event, another Chinese observer noted that infrastructure was likely to remain a key sector of engagement for Beijing, playing a crucial role in countering US influence in the region. While it was a routine event under the established China-Celac mechanism, the forum happened to coincide with the Trump administration's global tariff war and a growing US-China power struggle in Latin America, marked in particular by recent tensions over the Panama Canal 02:21 China's Xi Jinping urges countries to 'stand united' in face of global trade war China's Xi Jinping urges countries to 'stand united' in face of global trade war In his keynote address, President Xi Jinping pitched China as 'a good friend and partner' of Latin American and Caribbean nations, while offering a US$9.2 billion credit line to support development. He said Beijing was ready to work with the 33-member regional bloc to boost development and promote a multipolar world in the face of 'bullying' and 'unilateralism', a thinly veiled swipe at the White House.
South China Morning Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Beijing ‘flexible' in courting Taiwan allies as Haiti, St Lucia attend mainland forum
Two countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan sent delegations to a high-level forum in Beijing earlier this week, highlighting mainland China's flexible approach to courting Taipei's few remaining official partners, according to analysts. Representatives from Haiti and St Lucia , two Caribbean countries that are among Taiwan's 12 formal allies, attended the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) Forum on Tuesday, raising concerns about growing diplomatic pressure from Beijing, which holds that the self-ruled island is an inalienable part of China. According to analysts, the presence of the two Caribbean nations at the forum suggests Beijing has taken a 'flexible approach' in dealing with countries that recognise Taiwan. One scholar said that participation in the event did not 'necessarily indicate a shift in allegiance', noting a trend among many countries towards more pragmatic diplomacy. At the venue on Tuesday, the flags of Haiti and St Lucia were seen in the main plenary hall, according to Reuters. The flags of Guatemala and Belize – two other Celac members that have ties with Taiwan – were not seen in the room. Haiti and St Lucia are both members of Celac, a regional bloc with 33 member states. At the forum, Haiti was represented by Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, while diplomat Peter Lansiquot attended for St Lucia. Taiwan's foreign ministry said the two countries had notified it in advance that their officials would attend and that relations remained 'friendly and stable'.
South China Morning Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China expands visa-free travel to 5 Latin American nations after summit with regional bloc
China is expanding visa-free travel to five South American countries, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. Advertisement Starting from June 1, citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, family visits or business. The arrangements will be in force for one year. 'China will continue to pursue high-level opening-up and introduce more measures to further facilitate cross-border exchanges,' foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. 'We also welcome more foreign friends to make full use of visa-free entry and streamlined visa policies – and to come to China to explore and see more, and experience the vibrancy, diversity and warmth of the country.' The announcement followed a meeting of leaders from China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Beijing on Tuesday, where President Xi Jinping had pledged to expand visa-free access without naming the states in question. Advertisement Xi described the visa exemptions as a 'first step', pledging to expand the policy in the region 'at proper time'. In recent years Beijing has been increasing its economic and political cooperation with the 33-member bloc in an effort to challenge US influence in the region.
South China Morning Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China hopes for ‘golden decade' in relations with Latin America and Caribbean
China has predicted a 'golden decade' for its ties with Latin America and the Caribbean as its competition with the United States for influence in the region intensifies. Following a forum with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Beijing that finished on Tuesday, China and the 33-member bloc agreed to strengthen ties across a range of sectors and expressed support for free trade and a 'more democratic' international system. The event took place against the backdrop of Donald Trump's global tariffs and other foreign policy initiatives that have raised questions about the future shape of the world order. On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing wanted to work with Celac to address their core interests and concerns. 'We believe … the China-Celac Forum will firmly stride into its next golden decade, opening a new chapter of the Global South's solidarity,' he said. He echoed the language of China's top diplomat Wang Yi, who characterised the event as a 'complete success'.
South China Morning Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China hopes for ‘golden decade' in relations with Latin American and Caribbean
China has predicted a 'golden decade' for its ties with Latin America and the Caribbean as its competition with the United States for influence in the region intensifies. Advertisement Following a forum with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Beijing that finished on Tuesday, China and the 33-member bloc agreed to strengthen ties across a range of sectors and expressed support for free trade and a 'more democratic' international system. The event took place against the backdrop of Donald Trump's global tariffs and other foreign policy initiatives that have raised questions about the future shape of the world order. On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing wanted to work with Celac to address their core interests and concerns. 'We believe … the China-Celac forum will firmly stride into its next golden decade, opening a new chapter of the Global South's solidarity,' he told a press conference. Advertisement He echoed the language of China's top diplomat Wang Yi, who characterised the event as a 'complete success'.
