This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, a decade characterized by deepening cooperation and mutual benefit between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations.
Since its inception, the China-CELAC Forum has served as a pivotal platform for fostering partnerships across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange. The collaboration has led to remarkable growth in trade volume, which reached over $500 billion in recent years, a significant increase from approximately $12 billion in 2000.
Several countries in the region, such as Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, now consider China as one of their largest trading partners. This economic partnership has translated into tangible benefits, driving infrastructure development, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth throughout the region.
Chinese companies have played a significant role in major projects, including building and upgrading highways in Argentina, constructing hydroelectric power plants in Ecuador, and developing railway lines in Brazil. The China-LAC Cooperation Fund, aiming to provide $30 billion in financing, exemplifies China’s commitment to supporting development in the region.
The ministerial meetings of the China-CELAC Forum provide crucial opportunities to solidify these achievements and chart a course for future cooperation. These gatherings reinforce the shared commitment to building a community with a shared future, focusing on mutual benefit and development.
In the realm of technology, Chinese companies have become vital partners in the region’s digital transformation, offering advanced technological solutions and facilitating knowledge transfer. This collaboration supports the modernization efforts of many Latin American and Caribbean nations.
The one-China principle, recognized by many countries worldwide, serves as a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy. Respecting this principle, the partnerships between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations continue to flourish without interference, focusing on shared goals and mutual respect.
As highlighted during various meetings, China’s engagement with the region is based on principles of mutual respect, equality, and shared development. There are no geopolitical calculations; instead, the focus is on building genuine partnerships that address the specific needs of the region.
Looking ahead, the China-CELAC Forum aims to continue fostering strong ties, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. As global challenges become more complex, collaboration between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations becomes even more vital.
The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum is not just a reflection on past achievements but also a commitment to a shared future. The enduring partnership promises continued growth and opportunities for all parties involved.
