During the opening of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), the president emphasized that the development and revitalization of the Global South are legitimate rights of their peoples, and that equity and international justice constitute common goals.

Xi Jinping proposed an initial solidarity program aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and coordination in international mechanisms to address rising protectionism and confrontation between blocs in a complex international world.

Regarding economic development, both sides will work together to implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), defend the multilateral trading system, and strengthen global industrial and supply chains, the president said.

China will promote cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and mining, as well as in emerging sectors such as clean energy and artificial intelligence. It will also implement technology programs and encourage its companies to invest more in LAC, and will make available a 66 billion yuan (over nine billion US dollars) credit line for projects in the region.

Xi Jinping said that under the framework of the Initiative on Global Civilizations (IGC), mutual learning and respect for humanity’s common values ​​will be fostered. The program will deepen cultural exchanges, including the China-LAC Conference on Dialogue among Civilizations, and promote shared knowledge about cultural heritage.

According to the president, Beijing will collaborate with the region in implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI), supporting the declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace and nuclear-weapon-free zones. It will also work together to address corruption, drug trafficking, and other international crimes.

Xi advocated a path of development tailored to the region’s specificities, rejected external interference, and stressed that intimidation only serves to isolate the region.

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