Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for unity and cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations to promote global peace and development. Speaking at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) forum in Beijing, President Xi emphasized that only by working together can countries overcome challenges and achieve prosperity.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, President Xi warned against “bullying” and unilateral actions that threaten global stability. He announced that China is pledging 66 billion yuan ($9.2 billion) in credit to CELAC countries to support their development initiatives.
Covering a significant portion of the world’s population and land, China and the LAC region form one of the most dynamic partnerships globally. Both regions share similar development goals and can leverage their complementary strengths for mutual benefit.
“Development is the inherent right of China and LAC countries as important Global South members,” President Xi stated, highlighting the shared aspirations for fairness and justice. Through mechanisms like the China-CELAC forum and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the two sides have strengthened political trust and fostered deeper connections.
Over the past decade, the China-CELAC forum has evolved into a robust platform for collaboration. Under the BRI framework, more than 200 infrastructure projects have been implemented in the LAC region, generating over one million jobs for local communities. More than 20 LAC countries have joined the BRI, with several signing cooperation plans with China.
Trade between China and the LAC region reached $518.4 billion last year, doubling from ten years ago and significantly increasing from the start of the century. China’s investments in the region have surpassed $600 billion, exceeding earlier targets and demonstrating the deepening economic ties.
LAC leaders have embraced China’s message of unity. Colombian President Gustavo Petro emphasized the need for cooperation over conflict, saying countries “must not destroy our trade or threaten each other with bombs.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised China for engaging with nations that have been overlooked by others in recent decades.
As protectionism and unilateralism rise globally, China stands ready to work with LAC countries to uphold multilateralism and ensure the stability of international supply chains. President Xi’s call for unity underscores a shared commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.
