In Beijing at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for solidarity among China and Latin American and Caribbean nations to navigate rising global headwinds.
Only through unity and cooperation can countries safeguard global peace and stability and promote worldwide development and prosperity.
Xi emphasized the importance of collaboration amid growing geopolitical tensions, warning against unilateral pressures and bloc confrontations.
In a significant show of support, China pledged 66 billion yuan ($9.2 billion) in credit to CELAC members, aiming to fuel development projects and strengthen economic ties. Covering one-fifth of the world's landmass and representing a quarter of its population, China and the LAC region form a vibrant hub of growth and shared aspirations.
Both sides, as key members of the Global South, face parallel development challenges. Through frameworks like the China-CELAC forum and the Belt and Road Initiative, they are leveraging complementary strengths. Under the BRI, over 200 infrastructure projects have been implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean, creating more than one million local jobs.
Since its inception ten years ago, the forum has evolved from a young seedling into a multi-layered platform that aligns regional development strategies, deepens political trust, and fosters people-to-people connections. More than 20 CELAC members have joined the BRI, with 10 signing formal cooperation plans.
As economic blocs and geopolitical rivalries intensify, the China-CELAC partnership stands out as a testament to shared goals of fairness, justice, and inclusive growth. The forum's next chapter will be closely watched by young global citizens and entrepreneurs seeking fresh models of South-South cooperation.
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Against unilateral headwinds, China stands united with LAC nations
cgtn.com
