China has reiterated its dedication to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by introducing a range of significant initiatives planned for the next three years. During the opening ceremony of this week’s Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented China’s vision for enhancing collaboration with the region.
One of the primary initiatives, the Project of Peace, seeks to enhance security, promote peace declarations, strengthen anti-corruption measures, improve disaster response, and bolster law enforcement capabilities.
“China is prepared to collaborate with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to implement the Global Security Initiative, support the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and endorse the Declaration by the 33 LAC Countries on the Denuclearization of the region. We aim to improve cooperation in areas such as disaster management, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, drug control, and the fight against transnational organized crime to ensure regional security and stability,” stated President Xi.
The Development Project aims to synchronize development strategies, enhance trade and investment, and foster cooperation in infrastructure and technology. The Chinese leader expressed his government's willingness to collaborate with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative and expand partnerships in emerging sectors such as clean energy, 5G communications, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
Another initiative, the People-to-People Ties Project, focuses on strengthening cultural and educational exchanges through tourism, scholarships, vocational training, and language learning programs. President Xi announced that China will offer CELAC member states 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 scholarships for international Chinese language teachers, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction technicians, and 1,000 slots for "Chinese Bridge" study trips to China.
China plans to launch 300 small-scale, impactful livelihood projects and actively promote vocational education initiatives, such as the Luban Workshops. Additionally, it will support CELAC member states in enhancing Chinese language education. China will also host the China-LAC Bond Chinese Film and TV Program Showcase, aiming to complete the dubbing of ten exceptional TV dramas or audiovisual programs each year.
Furthermore, China will organize the China-LAC Tourism Dialogue with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. To foster friendly exchanges, China has decided to implement a visa-free policy for an initial group of five LAC countries, with plans to extend this policy to more nations in the region in the future.
These commitments were announced shortly after Chinese Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Miao Deyu expressed China's intention to strengthen collaboration with Caribbean nations in light of ongoing global trade challenges. Currently, China is the second-largest trading partner for the region, following the United States.
During a press conference prior to the CELAC meeting, Miao highlighted the strategic significance of China's relationship with the Caribbean.
"Cooperation with Caribbean nations is a crucial aspect of China-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) relations and a vital focus of Chinese diplomacy. We place great importance on our ties with Caribbean countries," he stated.
Miao also pointed out China's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the Caribbean through academic collaboration. He mentioned that Chinese think tanks and universities have established a research center dedicated to the Caribbean, aimed at supporting and enhancing bilateral relations.
"China consistently seeks to promote the greater good and mutual benefits in its relations with Caribbean nations, emphasizing its commitment to regional development and fostering shared progress between both sides," the Chinese official remarked.
Miao emphasized several important areas for future collaboration, such as the blue economy, disaster risk reduction, personnel training, and poverty alleviation. He stated that these initiatives aim to enhance the region's ability for self-development and provide greater benefits to the people in both areas. "I believe there is a brighter future ahead," he remarked.
