2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum, a landmark platform launched in 2015 to strengthen ties between the Chinese mainland and Latin America. Over the past decade, it has built political trust, aligned development strategies, and deepened people-to-people exchanges across more than 30 countries and regions.
South-South Cooperation Reimagined
By emphasizing joint progress and local ownership, the forum offers an alternative to traditional aid models. Larissa Wachholz, senior fellow at CEBRI, says this collaborative approach puts Latin American priorities at the center and creates sustainable projects tailored to local needs.
Inclusive, Long-Term Development
Economic cooperation has evolved from large infrastructure deals to a broader agenda that includes renewable energy, digital connectivity, and small business support. Ingrid Tatiana Chaves, executive director of the Colombian Chinese Chamber of Investment and Commerce, highlights rising investment in clean technology and supply-chain integration as key drivers of inclusive growth.
Navigating Global Competition
As U.S.-China competition reshapes international relations, Latin American countries are leveraging the forum to diversify partnerships and safeguard autonomy. Jiang Shixue from the Center for Latin American Studies of Shanghai University explains that flexible engagement allows governments to advance regional agendas without being locked into a single power bloc.
Shaping a New Global Agenda
Looking ahead, experts like Daniel Morales, associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University, stress the forum’s role in global governance reform. By elevating voices from the Global South, the China-CELAC Forum is not only building regional bridges but also contributing to a more balanced world order.
The 2025 meeting promises fresh dialogues on sustainability, digital transformation, and cultural exchange. As the forum enters its second decade, its model of shared responsibility and mutual benefit continues to inspire policymakers and communities across continents.
Reference(s):
Partners in progress: China & Latin America in building shared future
cgtn.com
