Xi Announces Five Major Projects to Strengthen China-Latin America Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled five significant projects aimed at enhancing cooperation and solidarity with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Speaking at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, Xi emphasized China’s commitment to joint development and revitalization with the region.
The projects, which focus on solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people exchanges, are set to bolster the already growing ties between China and LAC nations. Trade between China and LAC countries has surpassed $500 billion for the first time in 2024, marking more than a 40-fold increase since the beginning of the century.
“Only by working together can countries maintain world peace and stability and promote global development and prosperity,” Xi stated. He underscored that there are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars, warning that bullying and hegemony lead only to self-isolation.
As part of the new initiatives, over the next three years, China will invite 300 leading officials from political parties of CELAC member states annually to visit China for exchanges on governance experience. Additionally, China is ready to collaborate with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and maintain stable and smooth global industrial and supply chains.
Xi also highlighted China’s readiness to work with LAC nations on the Global Civilization Initiative, promoting values such as peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom. In terms of security, China aims to cooperate on the Global Security Initiative, enhancing collaboration in areas like disaster management, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, drug control, and combating transnational organized crime.
In a move to foster closer ties, Xi announced that China has decided to offer visa-free entry to citizens of five Latin American and Caribbean countries, with plans to expand this policy to more nations in the region in due course.
“China is willing to strengthen solidarity with LAC countries and continue to support each other on issues concerning our core interests and major concerns,” Xi concluded, expressing optimism for a future of shared prosperity and strengthened partnerships.
