New chapter in building a community with a shared future for China and LAC: China Daily editorial

Since the inception of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in 2015, the platform has played a pivotal role in enhancing mutual trust, aligning development strategies, and fostering closer ties between China and Latin American and Caribbean states. The forum has emerged as a cornerstone for promoting dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding, setting a positive example for international relations based on cooperation and mutual benefit.

China is willing to continue to support Latin American and Caribbean nations on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, promoting common development and jointly responding to external uncertainties and risks.

That's the core message President Xi Jinping sent to Latin American and Caribbean countries at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-CELAC Forum mechanism. Over the past decade, as President Xi said in his keynote address at the opening of the event in Beijing on Tuesday, the forum has grown from a tender seedling into a tall tree under the careful cultivation of both sides.

In the process, the two sides have worked hand in hand and supported each other in seeking development, maintaining their independence and promoting cooperation.

President Xi's remarks reflect China's commitment to fostering a relationship with LAC countries based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and openness. This commitment aligns with the CELAC's emphasis on independence, self-reliance and unity as key drivers of regional peace, development and integration.

Over the years, China's engagement with Latin American and Caribbean countries has transcended mere economic transactions to encompass the broader dimensions of political trust, practical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The resilience of China-LAC relations amid global turbulence highlights the enduring nature of the partnership, characterized by mutual respect, shared benefits, and a commitment to South-South cooperation.

Beijing's dedication to advancing cooperation and solidarity with countries in the region encapsulates Beijing's vision of building a China-LAC community with a shared future and its steadfast belief that only through solidarity and cooperation can countries maintain world peace and stability and promote global development and prosperity.

The five major initiatives President Xi put forward in his speech regarding solidarity, development, civilization mutual learning, peace and people-to-people exchanges will be of strategic importance in enabling the China-LAC community with a shared future to display more vitality and sustainability.

The five initiatives encompass reinforcing mutual backing on critical issues; joint efforts in support of global development initiatives, backing the multilateral trading system, and enhancing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative; fostering a global culture of equality and mutual learning; bolstering security cooperation and regional stability; and prioritizing educational support, scholarships, and training opportunities to enhance people-to-people exchanges, with plans for a gradual implementation of a visa-free policy for specific countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

By emphasizing the principles of mutual respect, equality, and cooperation, the projects stand in stark contrast to the zero-sum game practices associated with other global actors.

Warmly welcoming Xi's proposals, Latin American leaders attending the event highly praised the fruitful results achieved by the 10-year development of the China-CELAC Forum, and expressed their appreciation for China's contribution in promoting economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The convening of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing marks a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and serves as a testament to their deepening ties and shared aspirations.

No matter how the international situation changes, China will always be a good friend and partner of Latin American and Caribbean countries, and will work side by side with them to help them advance on their respective modernization journeys to jointly write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for China and Latin America and the Caribbean.