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Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Times: China-LAC mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation highly recognized among Chinese respondents: GT survey
05/15/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // The year 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing on May 13. Over the past decade, through joint efforts, the construction of a China-LAC community with a shared future has continuously achieved new results, and China-LAC relations have entered a new era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and more benefits for the people. To enhance mutual understanding between China and LAC countries and to strengthen and promote cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and people-to-people exchanges, the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the China-Latin America Education and Culture Center, conducted a 'China-LAC mutual perception survey' in both regions. The first part, 'Chinese perspectives on the LAC,' was conducted from April 11 to 22, 2025, targeting ordinary Chinese citizens aged 18 to 69. The survey was carried out through an online questionnaire distributed to members, covering 16 cities across seven major regions of the Chinese mainland, and collected 2,099 valid samples. The survey found that over 90 percent of respondents affirmed the importance of a harmonious and friendly China-LAC relationship for China's future development, and expressed a desire for the relationship to maintain its current state or become even friendlier. US pressure and provocation were identified as the biggest obstacle to China-LAC relations, and the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and LAC received high recognition. More comprehensive understanding This questionnaire provides a basic explanation of the geographical scope of the LAC, referring to countries and regions in the Western Hemisphere excluding the US and Canada. Without any prompts, the survey listed 9 LAC countries and 3 non-LAC countries as distractors, allowing respondents to select what they believed to be LAC countries. The data shows that 97 percent of Chinese respondents were able to accurately identify at least one LAC country. Brazil and Mexico had the highest awareness rates, both at 63 percent; Argentina and Chile also had awareness rates of above 50 percent. The survey also invited respondents to share their first impressions of the LAC. After conducting a keyword frequency analysis on the responses, the GTI found that 'football' appeared most frequently. Besides, representative terms such as 'enthusiasm,' 'samba,' 'tropical rainforest,' 'cuisine,' 'culture,' and 'coffee' were also mentioned quite often. When it comes to the characteristics of Latin Americans, 'passionate and exuberant' left the deepest impression on the Chinese public, at a selection rate of 55 percent. Other notable impressions included 'optimistic' and 'creative.' Furthermore, in the eyes of some Chinese people, traits such as self-discipline, diligence, perseverance, a focus on the present, and strong family values are also seen as prominent characteristics of Latin Americans. Regarding the current level of economic development in the LAC, nearly 90 percent of respondents believe it is at a medium or higher level, with about half considering it 'relatively high' or 'extremely high,' and 40 percent rating it as 'medium.' The respondents identified 'resource richness,' 'enthusiastic openness,' and 'natural landscapes' as the top three opportunities for development in the region, with each option chosen by around half of the respondents. Additionally, over 30 percent selected 'broad market' and 'peaceful environment.' Guo Cunhai, director of Department of Social and Cultural Studies at the Latin American Studies Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times, 'Compared to the results of the Chinese perspectives on the LAC survey we conducted 20 years ago, this time's results indicate that Chinese people's understanding of the LAC has become more comprehensive.' 'Football is still the most frequently mentioned aspect, which has not changed. What has changed is that keywords such as enthusiasm, exuberance, and optimism are mentioned more often, indicating that as China-LAC relations have become closer and cultural exchanges have increased, Chinese people's understanding of the LAC has evolved from a material level to an understanding of the inner spirit of people there,' Guo said. Cooperation for mutual benefit In recent years, products such as cherries, beef, and red wine imported from the LAC have increasingly appeared in the daily lives of Chinese consumers. Surveys show that 87 percent of respondents have used or purchased products from the region, with the usage/purchase rate of cherries being the highest at 46 percent. This is followed by beef, coffee, and avocados, all exceeding 30 percent, while red wine is close to 30 percent. Survey data indicates that the mutually beneficial nature of China-LAC cooperation is highly recognized by the Chinese public. When asked, 'Which side benefits more from China-LAC cooperation?' Eighty-three percent of respondents chose 'mutual benefit.' The vast majority of respondents (91 percent) acknowledged the role of the LAC as participants, contributors, or beneficiaries in the Belt and Road Initiative. Gabriel Merino, coordinator of the working group 'China and the map of world power' of the CLACSO, told the Global Times that China's infrastructure investments in roads, railways, ports, dams, and energy projects across the LAC have been broadly welcomed by local communities. Notable examples include the Chancay Port in Peru and railway investments in Argentina. He added that China and Latin America also hold promising prospects for future collaboration in technological development. Another CLACSO coordinator, Lourdes Regueiro, noted that China offers Latin America a partnership not based on political conditions or ideological alignment, positioning itself as a key development partner that refrains from imposing political or economic models on the region. The survey was conducted amid the US government's push for so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' worldwide. When asked about the potential impact of this policy on China-LAC trade, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents believed it would disrupt the global trade order and negatively affect China-LAC trade. Another 15 percent of respondents said the consequences remain uncertain, potentially forcing the LAC to choose sides between the US and China. Meanwhile, 24 percent of respondents saw it as an opportunity to expand China-LAC trade. The survey also highlighted perceptions of obstacles to China-LAC relations. 'US pressure and provocation' ranked as the top challenge, cited by 41 percent of respondents - far outpacing other factors. Over half (54 percent) viewed the US as a 'troublemaker' in China-LAC cooperation. Boundless potential Regarding the current China-LAC relations, 76 percent of the respondents believe that the overall relations are 'fairly friendly' or 'very friendly,' while 21 percent think they are 'neither good nor bad.' Ninety-six percent of the respondents consider that for China, the LAC is mostly in normal, friendly, or strategic partnership relations. Ninety-five percent of the respondents affirm the importance of the harmonious and friendly China-LAC relations for China's future development. Sixty-two percent of respondents expect that China-LAC relations will become even friendlier in the future, and 33 percent expect to maintain the status quo. In terms of the areas where China and the LAC need to strengthen cooperation in the future, at the top of the list are 'green development and environmental protection,' 'trade and investment,' 'infrastructure construction,' 'renewable energy development,' and 'high-tech industries such as AI.' Wang Youming, research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, said that the LAC attaches great importance to environmental protection, and China has advantages in the industrial chains related to new energy vehicles and lithium batteries. China and the LAC have a strong willingness, practical actions, and promising prospects for cooperation in the field of green development. According to the survey data, 97 percent of Chinese respondents show a high level of interest in various aspects of the LAC, including its history, culture, science and technology, and sports. Comparatively speaking, 'history and ancient civilizations' and 'literature and art' are the most attractive, with the proportion of respondents choosing them being 53 percent and 44 percent respectively. More than 30 percent of the respondents are interested in science and technology, sports, and economy. Also, more than 30 percent of the respondents hope to gain a better understanding of the LAC by paying attention to their film and TV shows, participating in cultural exchange activities such as music, dance, and cuisine, and reading their literary works. If given the opportunity, which countries do the Chinese public most want to visit? The data shows that Brazil is the top destination, with 48 percent of the respondents choosing it, followed by Argentina (35 percent), Chile (33 percent), and Mexico (31 percent). Meanwhile, about 20 percent of the respondents chose Cuba, Colombia, and Panama. 'Tourism' and 'social media and other media' are the two main ways for the Chinese public to learn more about the LAC, with the proportions of respondents choosing them being 51 percent and 48 percent, respectively. In addition, more than 90 percent of the respondents express their welcome to people from the LAC to visit China. In recent years, the overall influence of Global South countries has significantly increased. The LAC, as an important member of the Global South camp, has also seen a concurrent enhancement of its strategic status and the level of attention it receives in international affairs. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents believe that the region's status in global governance will rise in the future, while 35 percent think it will remain largely unchanged. When asked about the common characteristics between China and the LAC, 97 percent of respondents affirm that there are commonalities. Among them, the recognition rates of 'advocating for peace and building a new international political and economic order' and 'possessing a long and splendid civilization and culture,' and 'attaching importance to green development and environmental protection' are close to or exceed half, with the proportions of respondents choosing them being 52 percent, 52 percent, and 49 percent respectively. In addition, 46 percent of the respondents believe that both China and the LAC 'support multilateralism and the United Nations.' The LAC sees itself as part of the Global South, and this seems to be a tacit consensus within the region. With the advent of a multi-polar world, I believe that the voices and demands of the Global South in the international political agenda will be strengthened, Lourdes said. 'The LAC and China will actively participate in the construction of a new international political and economic order,' he stressed. The article first appeared in the Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Arabian Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
The Tale Of Two Super Power Presidents Amidst Global War On Trade, Tariffs
By Nitya Chakraborty Soon after organizing a 90 day truce last week end at Geneva through three day intensive talks between top officials of the United States and China, President Donald Trump is on a three nation tour covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE to pursue his deal making focusing on both trade and security. Simultaneously, the Chinese President Xi Jinping is wooing the Latin American countries to support him in his bid to restore the rule based international order on trade and tariffs. President Xi addressed the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean states (CELAC) in Beijing on May 13 expressing his readiness to work with the CELAC to build a shared development programme including trade for the economic growth of the Region. CELAC has more than thirty members including economically powerful countries like Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The same day on May 13, President Trump was in Saudi Arabia, the first country in his three nation tour from May 13 to May 16. Trump met Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara on May 14 morning which was a major diplomatic breakthrough since the former al Qaida commander took over as the interim president after the fall of the Russian ally Bashar al Assad. The meeting proved that for the US President, the past antecedents do not matter when it is linked with business and security interests. This interim President was in the U.S. jail for five years as he was charged as a terrorist. U.S. agreed to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth US$ 142 billion which was the largest amount in any defence agreement concluded by the USA till now. The US defence companies bosses, present at Riyadh were ecstatic after the signing of the agreement. The other two countries Qatar and UAE have also prepared massive plans on economic agreement with the U.S. covering the latest technology, AI applications and weapons. Trump is expected to assure them of higher security assurance. For Trump, the visit seems to be a win win situation all through. President Xi Jinping, on the other hand, met the important presidents of the Latin American countries including Brazil, Chile and Columbia and separately stressed the importance of protecting national interests in trade by fighting the tariff rates imposed by Trump. All these countries are scheduled to start new trade negotiations with the USA within the first week of July this year during the present 90 day truce. See also Selective Political Witch-Hunting In India Nearing Its Climax According to CELAC sources, in 2024, China-LAC trade surpassed $500 billion for the first time, more than 40 times the amount at the beginning of this century. Over 20 LAC countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative by signing different cooperation memoranda with China, and Colombia confirmed its participation in the BRI during the meeting. From Chancay Port to the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, numerous major projects have taken root and yielded fruitful results. In cutting-edge sectors, such as new energy, photovoltaics, electric vehicles, digital technology and cross-border e-commerce, China-LAC cooperation continues to expand, with mutual benefit and win-win cooperation providing strong momentum for the partnership. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said at a press conference on Wednesday in Beijing that Brazil is not worried about becoming a revenge target of US for getting closer to China. He said Brazil is a big country and the government has its own principles and positions. He reminded the U.S. President. The U.S. has a huge trade surplus with Brazil. Brazilian president is working with Mexico to frame a joint approach to trade talks with the U.S. trade officials. Both Brazil and Mexico have been badly affected as a result of reciprocal tariffs imposed by Trump. As regards Trump's current tour to the three West Asian nations, security commitment apart from high technology are the focus areas for all the three countries which are all cash rich and having huge potential for further energy resources development US-Gulf relations have improved significantly since Trump returned to office. Frustrated at the perceived lack of US interest in their needs under the Biden administration, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had sought to diversify their military, technological and economic ties. With Trump in office, they all have started wooing him with lucrative deals which Trump is also looking. Trump has told the West Asians – political problems will remain, but the economy has to move and that is best possible only through building synergies. So all focus has to be on making deals which serve the interests of both. Riyadh is also seeking US cooperation to develop a civil nuclear program, but that has been held up over its insistence on enriching uranium domestically – raising concerns in the US and Israel over nuclear weapons proliferation. Uranium, when enriched to high levels, can be used to produce nuclear weapons. Trump has to take a decision on it though the issue is very complicated with its impact on the region as a whole including Iran. In March, the UAE announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan over 10 years focused on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy. Its existing US investments already total $1 trillion, according to its embassy in Washington. Trump's visit is expected to formalize the big investment plans. In Qatar also, big investment plans have been kept ready for Trump's consideration. So for Trump, series of deals are waiting and he is very happy. After going back to Washington, President Trump will be assessing the response from his trade partners to his 90 day deadline. Already the U.S. has concluded its trade deal with the UK which is not a member of European Union. But this will have impact on the other countries of Europe including France and Germany which have still not responded. The EU members are supposed to take a collective decision. The campaigns by both President Trump in favour of his reciprocal tariff and the Chinese President Xi Jinping focusing on his rule based trade order will intensify in the coming weeks as the July deadline approaches. Both know that there can not be a final winner, there has to be a compromise. Even the level of that will depend on the respective mobilization by Trump and his opponents in favour of their respective positions. The protracted battle on tariff rates is sure to continue for some more months, if not the whole year. (IPA Service)
