China-CELAC Forum Strengthens Ties Between China and Latin America

The IV Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum concluded with significant diplomatic achievements, opening a new chapter in relations between China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The high-level meeting, held in Beijing, concluded with the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and included important discussions on expanding cooperation across various sectors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his speech at the opening ceremony, emphasized the importance of building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. The forum serves as the main platform for collective cooperation between China and the 33 member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The main outcome of the ministerial meeting was the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, which outlines plans for comprehensive cooperation between China and Latin American countries. The declaration covers various areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure, green development, digital economy, and humanitarian exchanges.
The document emphasizes a shared commitment to multilateralism and opposition to unilateralism and protectionism in international trade. It also highlights the importance of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.
On the sidelines of the Forum, President Xi held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, demonstrating the strategic importance China attaches to relations with Brazil, Latin America's largest economy.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil to a new height. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
President Xi noted that China and Brazil, as major developing countries and representatives of emerging markets, share common interests in promoting a multipolar world and democratization of international relations.
The IV China-CELAC Forum takes place as China continues to strengthen its presence in Latin America through expanding trade, investments, and diplomatic engagement. China has become the region's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $450 billion in recent years.
Chinese investments in Latin America are focused on infrastructure projects, energy, mining industry, and the manufacturing sector. The Belt and Road Initiative has become a key framework for many of these investments, with 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries having signed cooperation agreements under this initiative.
The Forum also discussed the importance of sustainable development and cooperation on climate change, with both sides committing to work together on green energy, environmental protection, and transitioning to more sustainable economic models.
As relations between China and Latin America deepen, the outcomes of the 4th China-CELAC Forum are expected to provide a roadmap for cooperation in the coming years. The Beijing Declaration serves as a testament to the shared commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation across various fields. However, China's growing influence in a region traditionally considered the United States' "backyard" continues to shape geopolitical dynamics in the Western Hemisphere. As these relationships evolve, the balance between economic opportunities and strategic implications remains an important factor for countries in the region.
The Forum highlights China's diplomatic strategy of engaging with developing regions through multilateral mechanisms while simultaneously strengthening bilateral relations with key regional powers such as Brazil. This dual approach allows China to expand its global influence while addressing specific interests and concerns at the country level.
Hong Kong actively participates in developing cooperation between China and Latin American countries. As an international financial center and an important hub in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong facilitates the expansion of trade and investment ties between the regions.
At the opening ceremony of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, President Xi Jinping put forward five proposals to strengthen cooperation:
1. Strengthening strategic mutual trust and supporting common interests
2. Expanding practical cooperation for joint development
3. Promoting mutual learning between civilizations
4. Safeguarding fairness in international relations
5. Deepening South-South cooperation
During talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Xi Jinping noted the importance of cooperation between the two countries within multilateral organizations, including BRICS. Both sides confirmed their intention to increase trade and investment volumes, as well as cooperation in high-tech areas, including the aerospace industry.
Lula da Silva emphasized that Brazil views China not as a competitor but as an important strategic partner. He expressed interest in expanding exports of Brazilian agricultural products to China and attracting Chinese investments in Brazil's infrastructure projects.
The China-CELAC Forum, established in 2014, has become a key mechanism over the past decade for policy coordination and promotion of comprehensive cooperation between China and the Latin American and Caribbean region. The current Forum discussed issues such as sustainable economic recovery after the pandemic, poverty reduction, scientific and technological cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Gulnara Safarli

SR-CENTER.INFO