Latest news with #China-LAC
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.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Times: China-LAC mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation highly recognized among Chinese respondents: GT survey
China-LAC ties deepen in 2025, marked by mutual respect, growing trade, cultural exchange, and shared global development goals. Beijing, China, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: editor@ Website: City: BeijingDisclaimer: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 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beijing Review: Future-Facing Partnership
BEIJING, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts. On November 15, 2024, President Xi Jinping quoted this Latin American proverb in his written speech delivered at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit. He called on all nations to enhance solidarity and cooperation, jointly stand up to global challenges and form a mighty force for the common prosperity of the world and a brighter future for humanity. Amid shifting international dynamics, the Global South, including China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), is rising with growing strength and influence. China-LAC relations have entered a new phase, setting a new benchmark for South-South cooperation. In July 2014, during his visit to Brasília, capital of Brazil, Xi attended the China-LAC Countries Leaders' Meeting, where he first proposed building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together with the attending leaders, he jointly announced the establishment of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). In January 2015, the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing. This was the beginning of overall cooperation between China and LAC countries. "The China-CELAC Forum, a young seedling in our eyes, needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger," Xi said at the opening ceremony. Today, that once-tender seedling has grown into a flourishing tree—lush, robust and thriving. From vision to reality, from concept to concrete action, the China-CELAC Forum has become the leading platform for advancing overall cooperation between China and LAC countries. Over the past decade, the two sides have continuously deepened political mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have established or resumed diplomatic ties with China. The latter has firmly held its position as the LAC's second largest trading partner, while Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Nicaragua have all become China's free trade partners. In November 2024, the Chancay Port in Peru officially commenced operations. This milestone celebrates the birth of a new land-sea corridor between Asia and LAC countries in the new era. Over the past decade, China and LAC nations have remained committed to safeguarding world peace and promoting shared development. In May 2024, China and Brazil jointly issued the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which received positive responses from more than 110 countries. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum took place in Beijing on May 13. China has expressed its readiness to work with partners in the region to promote progress in building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together, they seek to address global challenges, promote reforms in global governance and contribute wisdom and strength to maintaining world peace and stability. In the spirit of the proverb "just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts," the China-LAC community with a shared future is poised for a steady and prosperous voyage, charting a new course for bilateral relations. Comments to pengjy@ TikTokhttps:// Xhttps:// Facebookhttps:// YouTubehttps:// Weibohttps:// Websitehttp:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beijing Review: Future-Facing Partnership
BEIJING, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts. On November 15, 2024, President Xi Jinping quoted this Latin American proverb in his written speech delivered at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit. He called on all nations to enhance solidarity and cooperation, jointly stand up to global challenges and form a mighty force for the common prosperity of the world and a brighter future for humanity. Amid shifting international dynamics, the Global South, including China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), is rising with growing strength and influence. China-LAC relations have entered a new phase, setting a new benchmark for South-South cooperation. In July 2014, during his visit to Brasília, capital of Brazil, Xi attended the China-LAC Countries Leaders' Meeting, where he first proposed building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together with the attending leaders, he jointly announced the establishment of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). In January 2015, the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing. This was the beginning of overall cooperation between China and LAC countries. "The China-CELAC Forum, a young seedling in our eyes, needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger," Xi said at the opening ceremony. Today, that once-tender seedling has grown into a flourishing tree—lush, robust and thriving. From vision to reality, from concept to concrete action, the China-CELAC Forum has become the leading platform for advancing overall cooperation between China and LAC countries. Over the past decade, the two sides have continuously deepened political mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have established or resumed diplomatic ties with China. The latter has firmly held its position as the LAC's second largest trading partner, while Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Nicaragua have all become China's free trade partners. In November 2024, the Chancay Port in Peru officially commenced operations. This milestone celebrates the birth of a new land-sea corridor between Asia and LAC countries in the new era. Over the past decade, China and LAC nations have remained committed to safeguarding world peace and promoting shared development. In May 2024, China and Brazil jointly issued the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which received positive responses from more than 110 countries. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum took place in Beijing on May 13. China has expressed its readiness to work with partners in the region to promote progress in building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together, they seek to address global challenges, promote reforms in global governance and contribute wisdom and strength to maintaining world peace and stability. In the spirit of the proverb "just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts," the China-LAC community with a shared future is poised for a steady and prosperous voyage, charting a new course for bilateral relations. Comments to pengjy@ TikTokhttps:// Xhttps:// Facebookhttps:// YouTubehttps:// Weibohttps:// Websitehttp:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review Sign in to access your portfolio
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Xinhua Commentary: China, LAC countries forge new chapter in solidarity, cooperation
BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday's successful ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum demonstrated the solidarity and good momentum of bilateral relations. This key event in Beijing unveiled measures to deepen cooperation and exchanges between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. A decade into the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum, closer cooperation holds immense promise as China and LAC countries advance hand in hand as a community with a shared future, which is founded upon equality, powered by mutual benefit and win-win, invigorated by openness and inclusiveness, and dedicated to the people's well-being. At the fourth ministerial meeting of the forum, China systematically summarized the successful experience of the development of China-LAC relations, and announced the launch of five programs on solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people connectivity respectively, advancing shared development and revitalization and contributing to a China-LAC community with a shared future. Development and modernization are an inherent right for people of all countries. As important members of the Global South, China and LAC countries are advancing their own modernization drives and sustainable development. Against the backdrop of mounting global challenges, solidarity and coordination among nations are indispensable for safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting common development and prosperity. In this regard, China and LAC countries have set a brilliant example. The two sides champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, promote multipolarization in the world, and advocate for greater democracy in international relations. Practical cooperation in various fields has proven to be fruitful and mutually beneficial. The trade volume between China and LAC countries doubled in the past decade, reaching 518.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Additionally, more than 200 infrastructure projects and multiple industrial projects built by China have generated over one million jobs. More than 20 countries have synergized development strategies with China under the Belt and Road cooperation framework. Colombia, the latest, on Wednesday signed a cooperation plan with China on jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. Notably, cooperation between China and LAC countries has no geopolitical calculations. China's investment in the LAC region has no political strings. China advocates extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit. The cooperation respects the wishes of LAC countries, meets the needs of their people, and provides enormous opportunities for their development. China and LAC countries account for approximately a quarter of the world's population and a quarter of the global economic output, and have great growth potential and development vitality. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitments to development, cooperation and solidarity at the latest ministerial meeting. They are set to make new and greater progress in building a China-LAC community with a shared future in the years to come.
