Gong Yun and He Qin: The Practice and Expansion of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in Latin America
Abstract: The Latin American and Caribbean region is one of the areas with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world today. Strengthening friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with Latin American countries is an important manifestation of the pioneering innovation of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics among developing countries. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China's work regarding Latin America has achieved breakthrough progress, and China-Latin America (China-LatAm) relations have entered a New Era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people. Through the joint efforts of both sides, China-LatAm interactions have manifested a new "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" pattern. Political mutual trust has continued to deepen, economic and trade exchanges have developed rapidly, people-to-people exchanges have flourished across the board, international coordination has become increasingly close, and overall cooperation has begun to take shape. China and Latin America promote the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits; they promote the building of a China-LatAm community with a shared future for the purpose of common development; and they promote the reform of the global governance system based on the concept of equity and justice. Currently, China-LatAm relations are in their best period in history. China and Latin America moving forward hand-in-hand serves the greatest interests of their peoples, represents the historical trend of world peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and fully reflects the new realm and trends of South-South cooperation in the New Era. Facing the pandemic of the century and the changes of the times, China will work with Latin American and Caribbean countries to overcome difficulties together, seek common development, share opportunities, and jointly compose a new chapter in China-LatAm relations.
Keywords: Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy; Latin America; China-LatAm relations; China-LatAm community with a shared future
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, in the historical journey of advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, has led our country's external work to achieve all-around and pioneering historical accomplishments, blazing a new path for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. The Latin American and Caribbean (hereafter "Latin America" or "LatAm") region is one of the areas with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world today. Strengthening friendly relations and pragmatic cooperation with Latin American countries is an important manifestation of the pioneering innovation of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics among developing countries. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is the fundamental follow-through and guide for action for advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the New Era. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, our work regarding Latin America has made breakthrough progress, the construction of a China-LatAm community with a shared future has advanced steadily, China-LatAm interactions have manifested a new "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" pattern, and China-LatAm relations have entered a New Era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people.
I. Accurately Grasping the Main Theme of China-LatAm Friendship in the New Era
China-LatAm friendship has a long history. From the opening of the "Maritime Silk Road" [1] between China and Latin America in the modern era to the extensive exchanges between the New China and Latin American countries, China-LatAm relations have achieved significant progress. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, based on the historical foundation of China-LatAm interactions and the realistic needs of their respective development, China has actively promoted the quality enhancement and upgrading of the "China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership," and has proposed the favorable vision of "Building a China-LatAm Community with a Shared Future" from the historical height of the unity and progress of the Chinese and Latin American peoples and the mutual learning and prosperity of their civilizations.
(1) Deepening the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership under the Guidance of the Correct View of Righteousness and Profit
Building a network of global partnerships is an important component of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC pointed out that China adheres to developing friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence [2], deepens and expands global partnerships characterized by equality, openness, and cooperation, and is committed to expanding the convergence of interests with all nations. Latin American and Caribbean countries are an important part of China's global partnership network. In its interactions with Latin American countries, China has consistently adhered to the "correct view of righteousness and profit" [3] characterized by "equality and mutual benefit" and "sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith" [4]. On the basis of consolidating the traditional China-LatAm friendship, China has continuously deepened its comprehensive cooperative partnership with Latin American countries.
In November 2008, the first China’s Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean pointed out that the Chinese government views relations with Latin America from a strategic height and is committed to establishing and developing a comprehensive cooperative partnership with Latin American and Caribbean countries based on equality, mutual benefit, and common development. In July 2014, President Xi Jinping comprehensively expounded China's policy positions toward Latin America during a meeting with Latin American leaders, and both sides unanimously decided to establish the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership. In January 2015, at the first Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC Forum), President Xi Jinping put forward four suggestions for developing China-LatAm relations in the new period: adhering to the cooperation principle of equal treatment, the cooperation goal of mutual benefit and win-win results, the cooperation method of flexibility and pragmatism, and cooperation characterized by openness and inclusiveness. In November 2016, the second China’s Policy Paper on Latin American and the Caribbean pointed out that the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership is based on equality and mutual benefit and aims for common development. China insists on carrying out cooperation with the Latin American and Caribbean region on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect, where all countries are equal participants, contributors, and beneficiaries. China is willing to share development experience with all countries in the world, but it will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, will not export its social system or development model, and much less will it impose them on others. The China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership does not target or exclude any third party. China is willing to carry out tripartite development cooperation in the Latin American and Caribbean region with relevant countries outside the region and international organizations under the principle of being proposed, agreed upon, and led by Latin American countries. In December 2018, President Xi Jinping visited Latin American and Caribbean countries for the fourth time and advocated for building China-LatAm relations in the New Era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people. In September 2021, at the 6th Summit of CELAC, President Xi Jinping fully affirmed the achievements in the development of China-LatAm relations and explicitly pointed out that China-LatAm relations have entered a New Era of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people.
The establishment and sublimation of the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership fully reflect China's sense of responsibility in adhering to the correct view of righteousness and profit in its interactions with developing countries. As a large developing country, China has always upheld the spirit of internationalism, providing humanitarian assistance within its capacity and various forms of development aid to Latin American countries to help them overcome difficulties and improve people's livelihoods. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has further increased its aid to Latin American countries, and the content and forms of aid have become more diverse. In particular, priority support and development aid have been given to the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing countries, middle-income countries, and countries in or just emerging from conflict in Latin America. China's package financing arrangement for Latin America has approved loans exceeding 20 billion USD for more than 100 cooperation projects in over 20 Latin American countries, providing powerful financial guarantees for regional countries to carry out construction in fields such as infrastructure, transportation, energy, water conservancy, telecommunications, electricity, science and technology, public health, and post-disaster reconstruction. China has also helped Grenada formulate national development strategic plans and helped Cuba carry out medium- and long-term industrial development planning. Under the guidance of the correct view of righteousness and profit, China's aid to Latin America has not only generated good socio-economic benefits but also enhanced the well-being of the Latin American people.
(2) Promoting the Construction of a China-LatAm Community with a Shared Future while Promoting the Common Values of All Humanity
Promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity is the general goal of China's external work in the New Era. In 2014, while attending the first meeting of China-LatAm leaders in Brasilia, President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Latin America should strive to build a community with a shared future for moving forward hand-in-hand, pointing the way for the further development of the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership. In December 2021, at the third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, Wang Yi pointed out: "No matter how the international situation changes, China-LatAm unity and cooperation will never stop, and the construction of the forum will never cease; facing the future, we must jointly defend the common values of all humanity—peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom—and work together to promote the building of a China-LatAm community with a shared future."
Upholding common values is the moral foundation for China and Latin America sharing a common destiny. The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC pointed out that China always adheres to the foreign policy goals of maintaining world peace and promoting common development, is committed to promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity, and sincerely calls on all countries in the world to promote the common values of all humanity, foster mutual understanding and affinity among peoples of all nations, and jointly respond to various global challenges. Facing the turbulent international situation, China and Latin America insist on resolving disputes through peaceful means, oppose the use or threat of force to resolve disputes, and oppose unilateral coercive measures that violate international law and the Charter of the United Nations and threaten sovereignty and stability. Facing harsh development constraints, China proposed the "Global Development Initiative" and actively promotes mutual learning in development between China and Latin America. China and Latin America working together to address development challenges will help both sides accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to achieving stronger, greener, and healthier global development. Facing an imbalanced international landscape, China and Latin America advocate for building a new type of international relations characterized by mutual respect, equity, justice, and win-win cooperation, jointly shaping a more just and reasonable resilient world. Facing the people's aspiration for a better life, China and Latin America are jointly committed to protecting and promoting human rights during development, enhancing people's well-being, and promoting people-to-people connectivity, so that the development of China-LatAm relations better reflects the will of the people. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, China, in accordance with the principle of putting lives first, carried out extensive anti-epidemic and vaccine cooperation with Latin American countries, helping them improve their health governance capabilities and contributing ideas and efforts to the construction of a China-LatAm community of health. China and Latin America jointly called for ensuring that developing countries have just, equitable, timely, supportive, and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and related medicines as global public products, and that pandemic origin-tracing cooperation should be carried out on a scientific basis, opposing politicization.
As developing countries and emerging economies, China and Latin America not only have no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest, but they also share common political aspirations, similar development tasks, and highly complementary economic and trade relations. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China's initiative regarding the construction of a "China-LatAm community with a shared future" has received positive responses from Latin American countries. From bilateral to multilateral, from regional to sub-regional, and from multi-sectoral to all-around, mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between China and Latin America has flourished, their interests have become more closely intertwined, the concept of a China-LatAm community with a shared future has become more deeply rooted in people's hearts, and China-LatAm unity and mutual trust have reached an unprecedented historical height.
II. Striving to Build a New "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" Pattern of China-LatAm Relations
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China's work regarding Latin America has progressed in an orderly manner, and China-LatAm relations have continuously upgraded. In July 2014, at the meeting of China-LatAm leaders, President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Latin America should strive to build a "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" [5] pattern of China-LatAm relations—characterized by sincere mutual trust in politics, win-win cooperation in economy and trade, mutual learning in people-to-people exchanges, close coordination in international affairs, and mutual reinforcement between overall cooperation and bilateral relations—thereby pushing the China-LatAm Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership to a new level. Through the joint efforts of both sides, pragmatic cooperation in various fields between China and Latin America has advanced deeply, the overall cooperation mechanism has been continuously improved, and China-LatAm interactions have achieved fruitful results.
(1) Political Mutual Trust Continues to Deepen
Head-of-state diplomacy has reached successive climaxes. China-LatAm head-of-state diplomacy plays a role in top-level design and strategic leadership for China-LatAm relations. President Xi Jinping has made five state visits to 11 Latin American countries and attended important multilateral diplomatic activities such as the BRICS Leaders' Meeting, APEC meetings, and the G20 Summit held in Latin American countries. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, many heads of state or government from the Latin American and Caribbean region have visited China. Among them, the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Chile have visited China three times, and the presidents of Bolivia, Ecuador, Suriname, and Uruguay have visited China twice.
Bilateral relations have consolidated their foundation and expanded their base. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has established "Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships" with Brazil (2012), Peru (2013), Mexico (2013), Argentina (2014), Venezuela (2014), Ecuador (2016), and Chile (2016), and "Strategic Partnerships" with Uruguay (2016), Bolivia (2018), and Suriname (2019). China has held anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations with many Latin American countries, reviewing the achievements of bilateral relations and planning future cooperation visions. President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages for the 45th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations (2019), the 60th anniversary of China-Cuba diplomatic relations (2020), the 50th anniversary of China-Peru diplomatic relations (2021), the 50th anniversary of China-Mexico diplomatic relations (2022), the 50th anniversary of China-Argentina diplomatic relations (2022), and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana (2022). China has established or restored diplomatic relations with Panama (2017), the Dominican Republic (2018), El Salvador (2018), and Nicaragua (2021), and the number of countries in Latin America that have diplomatic relations with China has reached a record high.
Inter-party exchanges have opened a new chapter. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, inter-party exchanges between China and Latin America have shown a trend toward institutionalization and specialization, with multilateral and bilateral dialogue platforms becoming increasingly refined. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, political parties and dignitaries from Latin America sent over 200 congratulatory messages, and leaders from 115 political parties, organizations, and regional party groups from 28 Latin American countries attended the CPC and World Political Parties Summit. In November 2021, a special meeting of the third China-CELAC Political Party Forum promoted the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee to the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, attended by approximately 400 party leaders from over 110 parties and organizations in 30 countries. The China-Cuba Two-Party Theoretical Seminar, established in 2014, has held four sessions to date. This seminar focuses on the basic experiences and issues of party and state governance [6] for both parties, providing an important framework for strengthening mutual learning, solidarity, and cooperation.
(2) Rapid Development of Economic and Trade Ties
The scale of trade continues to expand. China is the second-largest trading partner of Latin America and the primary trading partner for several countries, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. From 2018 to 2020, China-Latin America trade volume exceeded $300 billion for three consecutive years. In 2021, this figure reached a record high of $451.591 billion, a year-on-year increase of 41.1%. Within this, China's total exports to Latin America reached $229.009 billion (up 52.0%), while Latin American exports to China were approximately $222.582 billion (up 31.4%). Exports of traditional advantageous products and high-value-added products from Latin American countries to China have continued to rise. In recent years, "cloud exhibitions" and "cross-border e-commerce platforms" have become new arenas for China-Latin America economic cooperation, further strengthening the construction of digital infrastructure, smart payments, and logistics systems. The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and the Canton Fair have provided new opportunities for trade development. Meanwhile, negotiations for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have made new progress. The China-Chile FTA has been upgraded, and FTAs with Peru and Costa Rica are operating well. FTA negotiations with Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Uruguay have officially commenced. As of 2021, 17 Latin American countries have recognized China's full market economy status.
Financial investment has become more diverse. In May 2015, during the China-Brazil Business Summit, Li Keqiang proposed the "3x3" model for China-Latin America production capacity cooperation: namely, the joint construction of three major corridors (logistics, electricity, and information), the implementation of interactive cooperation among three sectors (enterprises, society, and government), and the expansion of three financing channels (funds, credit, and insurance). In recent years, financial exchanges and coordination between central banks have deepened, settlement in local currencies and currency swaps have expanded, and banks from both sides have established reciprocal branches. China renewed its renminbi (RMB) settlement and swap agreements with Argentina and Chile. Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay have officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). In April 2019, the China-Latin America Development Financing Cooperation Mechanism, led by the China Development Bank, was launched in Beijing. China has successively increased special loans for Latin American infrastructure to $20 billion, provided $10 billion in preferential loans to LAC countries, and established $1 billion special loans for both development cooperation and digital economy cooperation. China is the third-largest source of investment for Latin America, and Latin America is the second-largest destination for Chinese overseas investment, with over 3,000 Chinese enterprises operating in the region. Between 2005 and 2020, China had 138 infrastructure cooperation projects either in use or under construction in Latin America, with total funding exceeding $94 billion, creating more than 600,000 local jobs. Recently, mutual investment has diversified further, with more capital flowing into productive sectors. China has signed production capacity and investment cooperation agreements with eight Latin American countries, developing industrial parks to support these nations in building independent and diversified industrial systems.
(3) Flourishing People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
Exchange activities have been diverse and vibrant. In 2016, the "China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year," a large-scale multilateral cultural event involving more than 30 LAC countries, concluded successfully. Through "inviting in" and "going out," the series promoted exchange and mutual learning in fields such as art, literature, cultural relics, film, books, media, and tourism; it was the largest annual cultural exchange event held with Latin America since the founding of the People's Republic. In November 2018, the China-Latin America Media Forum was held in Argentina, where heads of 13 Chinese media outlets and over 100 media organizations from 20+ Latin American countries engaged in deep dialogue. In March 2021, the first China-LAC Tai Chi Online Tournament, hosted by the Chinese Wushu Association, saw participation from over 200 athletes across 13 countries. In 2021, the social science communities of both regions co-hosted the "Contemporary Latin America Lecture Series" and "Contemporary China Lecture Series," enhancing mutual understanding. In November 2021, the "China-LAC Think Tank Forum" convened in Beijing, releasing the China-LAC Think Tank Consensus. In June 2022, China officially became an observer state of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO). In September 2022, the fifth "China-Latin America Forum on Civilizational Dialogue," themed "Promoting the Construction of a China-Latin America Community with a Shared Future through the Global Development Initiative," was successfully held. Furthermore, the "Chinese language fever" in Latin America continues to rise, with 46 Confucius Institutes and 14 Confucius Classrooms established across 24 countries, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for Chinese language study globally.
Cooperation projects are advancing systematically. Between 2016 and 2021, China provided LAC countries with 6,000 government scholarships, 6,000 training slots in China, and 400 spots for in-service master's degrees. It invited 1,000 leaders of Latin American political parties to visit and launched programs such as the "Bridge to the Future" Training Program for 1,000 Young Chinese and Latin American Leaders, the "China-LAC Science and Technology Partnership Program," and the "China-LAC Young Scientists Exchange Program." In 2020 and 2021, two Science and Technology Innovation Forums were held via video link, resulting in a Joint Statement and the decision to establish centers for sustainable food innovation and technology transfer. In July 2022, the China-Caribbean Development Center was established in Jinan, China, focusing on high-standard, sustainable, and people-centered projects to strengthen cooperation on the Global Development Initiative. Significant progress has also been made in aerospace, 5G networking, polar research, deep space, and maritime exploration.
(4) Increasingly Close International Coordination
Actively promoting global governance. Dialogue and cooperation between China and Latin American countries have deepened within international organizations and multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, WTO, G20, G77, BRICS, and APEC. Both sides focus on the three pillars of security, development, and human rights, engaging in consultation and coordination on issues concerning their major interests. They maintain active communication on post-pandemic economic recovery and sustainable, inclusive development. China supports the integration process of the LAC region and maintains dialogue with sub-regional mechanisms. Both sides have strengthened cooperation within the frameworks of the AIIB and the BRICS New Development Bank, while promoting the roles of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and the Caribbean Development Bank in regional sustainable development.
Jointly upholding multilateralism. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress noted that China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, determining its position and policies based on the merits of each case, and upholding the basic norms governing international relations and international equity and justice. China resolutely opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries' internal affairs, and double standards. China condemns U.S. sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction [7] against countries like Cuba and Venezuela, supports Argentina's legitimate claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas [8] Islands, and supports Latin American countries in independently exploring development paths suited to their national conditions. Many Latin American countries congratulated China on the 50th anniversary of the restoration of its lawful seat in the UN and have supported China on issues regarding Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, the pandemic, and human rights. Countries in the region with diplomatic ties to China firmly uphold the "One China" principle. Together, they safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, opposing protectionism and unilateralism.
(5) Holistic Cooperation Taking Shape
Holistic cooperation has developed naturally. In July 2014, during the first collective meeting with Latin American leaders, President Xi Jinping proposed the "1+3+6" cooperation framework. The "1" refers to the China-LAC Nations Cooperation Plan (2015–2019), aimed at aligning development strategies; the "3" refers to the three engines of trade, investment, and financial cooperation; and the "6" refers to the six priority areas: energy and resources, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, scientific innovation, and information technology. The meeting adopted the Brasilia Declaration and announced the establishment of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC Forum).
The China-CELAC Forum continues to gain momentum. In January 2015, the first Ministerial Meeting of the forum was held in Beijing, marking the transition of holistic cooperation from concept to reality. The meeting adopted the Beijing Declaration, the Cooperation Plan (2015–2019), and the institutional rules for the forum. In 2018, the second Ministerial Meeting in Chile adopted the Santiago Declaration and a Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Priority Areas (2019–2021), along with a Special Statement on the Belt and Road Initiative. In December 2021, the third Ministerial Meeting, held via video, adopted the 2022–2024 Joint Action Plan. Under this framework, various specialized forums have been held, covering agriculture, youth politics, science, and traditional medicine. With the launch of the forum's online secretariat and successful "Troika" [9] meetings, the institutional rules and operations of the China-CELAC Forum have become more refined.
The establishment of the China-CELAC Forum marks a new stage where bilateral and holistic cooperation advance in tandem, providing strong support for a China-Latin America community with a shared future and completing China's institutional coverage for holistic cooperation with the developing world.
III. Joining Hands to Meet the Opportunities and Challenges of an Era of Change
The report to the 20th CPC National Congress stated that China adheres to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith [10] and the right approach to friendship and interests [11] to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries and safeguard their common interests. Currently, China-Latin America relations are at their best point in history, standing at a new historical starting point with a more solid foundation and broader prospects.
(1) Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative through Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits
The LAC region is a natural extension of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and an indispensable participant in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The report to the 20th CPC National Congress noted that China adheres to the basic national policy of opening up and a win-win strategy, providing new opportunities for the world through China’s new development. China welcomes Latin American countries to "hitch a ride" [12] on its development. Latin American countries value the historical opportunities brought by China's ultra-large-scale market and the "new development paradigm," taking practical actions to deepen cooperation.
Accelerated implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is taking place. In January 2018, at the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (CCF), China formally invited Latin American countries to join the BRI. In April 2019, nearly 100 representatives from 25 Latin American and Caribbean countries attended the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. China and Latin America possess complementary advantages in resources, technology, capital, and markets; they need one another and possess immense potential for cooperation. Since the BRI took root in Latin America, China and Latin America have made considerable progress in policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds. The "China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2022–2024)," adopted at the Third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in December 2021, provided a practical guide for further deepening pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Both sides will further strengthen the construction of open platforms, optimize the trade and investment environment, and deepens industrial cooperation in fields such as the digital economy, inclusive finance, and sustainable development.
The two sides will focus on deepening cooperation in raw materials, equipment manufacturing, green and low-carbon industries, and industrial and supply chains, promoting the intelligent, digital, and green development of Sino-Latin American industries. Governments, enterprises, and research institutions from both sides will further strengthen cooperation in digital infrastructure, communication equipment, 5G technology, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart cities, "Internet Plus" [13], and universal telecommunications services. China and Latin America will continue to cooperate in the peaceful exploration of outer space, space science, satellite data sharing, satellite applications, ground infrastructure construction, and personnel training, while actively promoting the establishment of a China-Latin America Space Cooperation Forum. Furthermore, the two sides will advance policy communication and exchange in tourism, customs, taxation, and quality standards. In May 2022, the first China-CELAC Transport Cooperation Forum was held online under the theme "Strengthening Connectivity, Promoting Sustainable Transport, and Serving the Common Development of China and Latin America." The "First China-CELAC Transport Cooperation Forum Ministerial Joint Statement (2022)" adopted at the forum provided a vision for pragmatic cooperation in railways, highways, water transport, aviation, logistics, and maritime affairs, proposing to hold the second forum in 2025.
China and Latin America share the dividends of open development. According to estimates by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), every 1% growth in the Chinese economy drives a 0.5% growth in the Latin American and Caribbean economy. Cooperation with China has become an important force for stabilizing and improving the regional economy. Alicia Bárcena, then Executive Secretary of ECLAC, argued that China is a crucial partner for Latin America and that the BRI, acting as a global development catalyst, has brought investment in infrastructure, industry, and services to the region, facilitating economic development based on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As of February 2022, China had signed BRI cooperation agreements with 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries. In the future, driven by the BRI, China and Latin America will share development opportunities that are autonomous, linked, green, open, and inclusive through the joint construction of the "Green Silk Road," "Digital Silk Road," and "Health Silk Road."
(2) Promoting the construction of a "China-Latin America community with a shared future" with common development as the goal
In December 2021, at the Third Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, President Xi Jinping proposed leading Sino-Latin American cooperation with the Global Development Initiative and working together to build a global community of shared future for development.
Advancing the construction of a China-Latin America community of health. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Latin America have watched out for and helped each other [14], overcoming difficulties together and jointly responding to common challenges. During this period, President Xi Jinping held 21 phone calls with leaders of 17 Latin American countries and exchanged numerous letters and cables, exchanging views on major issues at critical moments to discuss countermeasures and boost confidence. In March 2020, China held a video exchange meeting for COVID-19 experts with Latin American and Caribbean countries, attended by more than 200 government officials, health experts, and representatives of international and regional health organizations from 24 Latin American countries. In July 2020, the Special Video Meeting of China and Latin American and Caribbean States' Foreign Ministers on COVID-19 was held with foreign ministers from 13 Latin American countries attending. During the most difficult moments of China's anti-epidemic struggle, leaders of many Latin American countries publicly expressed their support, and citizens of various countries did their utmost to donate nearly 1.7 million pieces of medical and epidemic prevention materials to the Chinese people. China also actively carried out anti-epidemic assistance and cooperation, providing nearly 400 million doses of vaccines and nearly 40 million pieces of anti-epidemic materials to 30 countries in the region, holding over 100 exchange meetings on anti-epidemic experience, and dispatching several medical expert teams. In Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Uruguay, Chinese vaccines accounted for over half of all vaccinations. China jointly conducted experiments, research, development, and production of vaccines, drugs, and medical equipment with Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Peru, and established vaccine R&D centers and production plants in Latin America. Cooperation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the medical and health industries has also continuously advanced. China's assistance provided crucial support for Latin American countries to build immune barriers, rebuild post-epidemic economies, and restore social order. In the future, both sides will further strengthen policy dialogue in public health, advance research on COVID-19 variants and joint vaccine production, and support cooperation between medical and health institutions at all levels.
Promoting poverty reduction and sustainable development. In July 2022, the second China-Latin America and the Caribbean Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development was successfully held under the theme "Promoting Poverty Reduction Cooperation in the Post-Pandemic Era." More than 80 representatives from China, 22 Latin American countries, three regional organizations, and six UN agencies attended. Both sides discussed two sub-topics: "Integrated Urban-Rural Development and Poverty Reduction" and "Digital Technology and Poverty Reduction." Looking ahead, China and Latin America will strive to promote equitable distribution at the international level and create more equal financing conditions for development. China will continue to implement a package of financing measures for Latin America, focusing on strategic projects conducive to the sustainable socioeconomic development of CELAC member states, with special attention to Small Island Developing States, low-lying coastal countries, and Central American isthmus countries. China and Latin America will further promote policy communication, experience exchange, and project cooperation among governments, think tanks, and civil society organizations in the fields of poverty reduction, inclusive development, and sustainable development. China is willing to provide intellectual support to Latin American countries, such as overall project development and development planning. Both sides will actively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, prioritizing cooperation in green, sustainable, and resilient development. Areas of focus include responding to climate change, biodiversity protection, environmental governance, resource management, disaster prevention and mitigation, energy conservation and emission reduction, maritime cooperation, and Antarctic scientific expeditions, while actively promoting the China-CELAC Forum on Cooperation and Exchange in Emergency Management. On this basis, both sides will help each other achieve the goals of reaching carbon peak and carbon neutrality, working together to build a maritime community with a shared future, a community of life for man and nature, and a community of life for the Earth.
(3) Promoting the reform of the global governance system with the concept of fairness and justice
As the largest developing country, a key starting point for China's promotion of international order reform is to effectively safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries and seek a just and reasonable international environment for them to solve development problems. China and Latin America hold identical or similar positions on major international and regional issues; both advocate for world multi-polarization and the democratization of international relations, and both are committed to promoting the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.
Jointly responding to international security challenges. In April 2022, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative at the Boao Forum for Asia. In May 2022, at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, President Xi proposed the joint construction of a community of shared security for humanity. Both sides are committed to the proper handling and long-term resolution of international security issues. China and Latin America will participate in the formulation and implementation of cyberspace norms and rules to jointly maintain peace and security in cyberspace. They will join forces to combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, illegal arms trade, and illicit financial flows, effectively advancing dialogue and cooperation in disarmament, the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the control of conventional weapons and ammunition. Based on their respective domestic laws and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, both sides will expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation in anti-corruption, anti-smuggling, anti-money laundering, and the fight against tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
Jointly practicing true multilateralism. In September 2021, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, President Xi Jinping pointed out that global governance must be improved and true multilateralism must be practiced. China and Latin America are jointly committed to safeguarding the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs, promoting the democratization and rule of law in international relations. Both sides advocate for a new type of economic globalization that is open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all, jointly safeguarding a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, and inclusive multilateral trading system, and advocating for the sustainable development of global trade in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner. China and Latin America maintain that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement should be implemented in a comprehensive, effective, and sustained way according to different national conditions, the principle of equity, the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) and respective capabilities, and the institutional arrangements of "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Jointly promoting the reform of the global governance system. Latin American countries are an important part of multilateral forums for global governance and play a significant role in setting the global governance agenda, determining priorities, and in collective bargaining capacity. As a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order, China has always been committed to mutual support with Latin American countries to jointly promote the reform of the global governance system. In the future, China will continue to strengthen communication and coordination with Latin American countries within the framework of important international organizations and multilateral mechanisms on global issues such as global governance, sustainable development, climate change, and cybersecurity, firmly safeguarding the common and long-term interests of the vast number of developing countries. China will strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Latin American countries on Asia-Pacific and Latin American affairs to jointly maintain regional and world peace, development, and prosperity.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has actively practiced the core concepts of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in its engagement with Latin American countries, working in unity and cooperation to promote a new situation of advancing hand-in-hand and developing together. The deepening of the China-Latin America comprehensive cooperative partnership and the promotion of a China-Latin America community with a shared future serve the best interests of their peoples, represent the historical trend of world peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and fully reflect the new height and trend of South-South cooperation in the New Era.
The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out: "Changes of the world, of our times, and of history are unfolding in ways like never before. Human society faces unprecedented challenges. The world has once again reached a crossroads in history, and its future course will be decided by the choices of all peoples." Facing the changes unseen in a century and the pandemic of the century, China will work with Latin American and Caribbean countries to overcome difficulties, seek common development, share opportunities, and continue writing a new chapter of China-Latin America relations characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people.