Beijing hosted the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, where Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled five ambitious programmes to strengthen cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
In his opening speech, President Xi called for deeper solidarity and unity between China and the countries of the region. The newly announced programmes - Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace and Interpersonal Connectivity - represent a comprehensive plan for shared prosperity and revitalization.
1. Solidarity: one voice on the world stage
China is committed to supporting the core interests of LAC countries and strengthening unity on international issues. Over the next three years invites every year 300 representatives of political parties from Latin America to China to share experiences in governance and public administration.
2. Development: a common path to prosperity
President Xi stressed expanding cooperation in the framework of the Global Development Initiative, promoting free trade, smooth supply chains and Chinese investment in the region. China also plans to increase imports of quality products from LAC countries and link the region's development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative.
3. Civilization: a dialogue of cultures, not a clashIn the spirit Global Civilisation Initiatives Xi called for greater exchanges between nations, promoting common values of humanity - such as peace, justice and democracy - and announced a conference on China-LAC inter-civilization dialogue.
4. Peace: a Security Partnership for the 21st Century
China wants to expand cooperation in the area of cybersecurity, the fight against corruption, terrorism and organised crime. Joint management of natural disasters will also be part of the security programme.
5. Interpersonal Connections: scholarships, exchange programs, Chinese language classes
In the next three years, China will offer:
- 3 500 government scholarships,
- 10 000 training courses in China,
- 500 scholarships for Chinese teachers,
- 300 training courses for anti-poverty professionals,
- a 1 000 exchange visits through the "Chinese Bridge" programme.
In addition, the following will be implemented 300 "small and beautiful" projects aimed at improving living standards and will be expanded visa-free regime for five countries in the region - with an eye on more.
The common voice of the Southern Globe
The presidents of Colombia, Brazil and Chile, as well as former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, praised the Chinese proposal and called for deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, science, energy and education.
There was also strong criticism of unilateralism and protectionism - with a call for strengthening multilateralism, the authority of the UN and the common interests of developing countries.
Conclusion? China and Latin America do not stop at rhetoric. Under Beijing's leadership, a new chapter of global cooperation is emerging - one based on equality, shared values and concrete steps towards a better world.
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