China seeks to further bolster relations with Chile

President Xi Jinping on Friday underlined China's readiness to deepen strategic communication, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and share development opportunities with Chile, as the two countries are set to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

Xi called for greater progress in the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership to deliver more benefits to both peoples, during talks with Chilean President Gabriel Boric in Lima.

The meeting, the third between the two leaders, followed Boric's state visit to China over one year ago, which saw the two nations sign a cooperation plan on jointly building the Belt and Road.

Xi said that both nations have consistently supported each other on core interests and major concerns over the past 50-plus years.

He emphasized the need for both sides to adhere to mutual respect, trust and reciprocity, and called for expanded cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy, and information and communication technologies, as well as for advancing bilateral collaboration through high-standard free trade and more open industrial policies.

According to the Foreign Ministry, China is Chile's largest global trading partner, its top export destination and largest source of imports. Meanwhile, Chile ranks as China's third-largest trading partner in Latin America and the primary supplier of copper to China.

Xi said China welcomes more high-quality Chilean products into the nation's market, and will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Chile. He also expressed the hope that Chile will provide a transparent, open and non-discriminatory business environment.

Xi also spoke of China's willingness to enhance cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and APEC, advocating for true multilateralism, safeguarding global supply chain stability, and promoting the common interests of the Global South.

The goal is to jointly build an open, vibrant, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, he said.

Boric lauded the strong ties between Chile and China, highlighting their fruitful economic and trade collaboration.

He emphasized the significance of continued development in bilateral relations against the backdrop of the current international climate, reaffirming Chile's commitment to the one-China principle, and expressed eagerness to deepen exchanges in culture and education.

The Chilean president welcomed greater Chinese investment in Chile's infrastructure and industrial sectors, pledging to create a favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises. He also expressed hope for closer communication with China within multilateral mechanisms such as APEC to jointly oppose protectionism and safeguard global free trade and supply chains.

Furthermore, Boric expressed his nation's support for China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.