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Gauri Gupta
18 May 2025 |
The following note was first published as a part of The World This Week #310 & 311, Vol 7 Nos 19 & 20, 18 May 2025
What happened?
On 13 May, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address titled “Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future” at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. He was joined by Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, the current CELAC chairperson, Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, and other heads of delegations from LAC countries and regional organizations. Xi emphasized “independence and autonomy is their glorious tradition, development and revitalization is their inherent right, and fairness and justice is their common pursuit.”
President Xi launched five major cooperation programs: Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity. Under the Solidarity Program, China pledged continued support on matters of core interest and invited 300 CELAC political party members annually to China for three years. The Development Program focused on implementing the Global Development Initiative, expanding Belt and Road cooperation, and increasing imports and investments. The Civilization Program will enhance civilizational dialogue and uphold human values through the Global Civilization Initiative. The Peace Program aims to deepen cooperation in security, cybersecurity, anti-corruption, and transnational crime under the Global Security Initiative. The People-to-People Connectivity Program announced 3,500 scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities and 300 small livelihood programs.
On 14 May, China and Colombia signed a deal on BRI. The deal emphasizes jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st century Maritime Silk Road. Xi also pledged USD 9.2 billion in credit towards “development.”
On 15 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced free visa exemptions for five LAC countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru & Uruguay for up to 30 days from 01 June, 2025 to 31 May, 2026 for non-commercial purposes.
What is the background?
First a brief note on China-CELAC Forum. Established in July 2014 at the China-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Brasília, the Forum today covers the entire Latin America and Caribbean region. During January 2015 its first ministerial meeting was held in Beijing. It has served as the principal channel and has evolved into an essential multilateral tool driving robust cooperation among China and CELAC's 33 member nations. The Forum has hosted over 100 major events, including 31 thematic sub-forums and three ministerial engagements, reflecting a sustained commitment to institutional dialogue and cooperation.
Second, Beijing’s political and economic investments in the region. China had announced a USD 35 billion financing package in 2014, comprising a USD 10 billion Preferential Loan, a USD 20 billion Special Infrastructure Loan, and a USD 5 billion China-LAC Cooperation Fund. More than 200 infrastructure projects have been effectively executed employing over one million people and significantly increasing regional and industrial capacity connectivity. China has signed five free trade agreements with Latin American countries: Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, opening up market access and reducing tariff barriers, marking trade as a corner-stone of cooperation. In 2024 trade between China and LAC countries exceeded USD 500 billion for the first time, an increase of over 40 times from the beginning of this century.
China has voted for 32 United Nations resolutions against the US embargo of Cuba and has demonstrated its solidarity with local causes. China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point common understanding on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which has been endorsed by more than 110 countries, contributing wisdom and strength to resolving international hotspot issues.
Third, the BRI inroads. The Belt and Road Initaitive has also been aligned with national development plans. For example Peru's Chancay Port, making strategic infrastructure synergy stronger. China has been proactively engaged in MERCOSUR, CARICOM, and ALBA-TCP as an observer, and contributed to climate, biodiversity, and satellite cooperation frameworks, including offering 80 percent of its Special Infrastructure Loan undertakings. These actions demonstrate the greater strategic confidence and all-around cooperation between China and CELAC.
Fourth, cooperation on non-military issues. China has collaborated on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and on joint response to hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. China has donated 300 million doses of vaccines, 40 million units of medical supplies and equipment, and dispatched 38 medical teams to the Caribbean States. Additionally, China has also signed 26 educational agreements with 19 LAC countries, granted 17,000 scholarships and 13,000 professional training slots, and 68 Confucius Institutes were opened across Latin America and Caribbean states.
What does it mean?
The China-CELAC Forum is a comprehensive framework for institutionalized cooperation between China and the Latin American and Caribbean region with a view to withstanding the test of time and adapting to emerging global challenges. The Forum's flexible structure allows each country to participate based on its needs and priorities, encouraging tailored development. It also helps in diversifying regional partnerships, reduces dependence on traditional powers, and empowers CELAC countries to pursue strategic autonomy. It expands soft power through education, culture, and digital infrastructure outreach. Its long-term relevance lies in making China a consistent and responsive partner in regional modernization and governance reform.
About the author
Gauri Gupta is a post graduate scholar at Stella Maris College, Chennai.
