China-CELAC forum examines mutual benefits of tech sharing

The China-CELAC Internet Development and Cooperation Forum opened on Thursday in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, where delegates agreed to deepen collaboration in technology, the digital economy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

As a follow-up to the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, participants discussed how to share opportunities in the digital economy, jointly safeguard cyberspace security and govern AI development. A parallel cybersecurity training course also got underway.

About 400 representatives from government bodies, businesses, universities and research institutes in China and 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries took part in the two-day event.

Zhuang Rongwen, head of China's cyberspace administration, noted that bilateral efforts have "deepened cooperation in cross-border e-commerce, smart cities, 5G networks, digital technologies and cybersecurity, vividly illustrating the China-CELAC community of shared future and the shared cyberspace community."

He added, "This forum opens a new chapter in China-CELAC internet exchanges and cooperation by sharing digital economy opportunities, safeguarding peace and security in cyberspace, promoting responsible AI development and building a sound cyberspace order. We stand ready to work with Latin American and Caribbean countries to ensure that the benefits of digitalization better serve China, Latin America and the world."

Nahima Janett Díaz Flores, general director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services, said that Nicaragua is strengthening cooperation with Chinese companies and institutions in information and communications technology, network security, 5G and e-government. She emphasized that the core goal is to alleviate poverty, improve people's welfare and promote development based on social justice.

John Vieira, director of planning and management for Brazil's Santa Catarina civil police, led a six-member Brazilian delegation. He praised China's achievements in cybersecurity and cyberspace governance as "truly impressive". He added, "We hope to join hands with China to build a shared cyberspace community and address cybersecurity challenges together, particularly by strengthening prevention and response to attacks on critical infrastructure — essential for safeguarding national and public security."

After the opening ceremony, Daniela Paola Zanotta Diogo, an English teacher from Uruguay, said she was thrilled. "China actively promotes international exchange. Here, we can share our experiences and learn from leading experts in technology and education."

She plans to bring China's cutting-edge cybersecurity practices back to Uruguay to enhance the digital literacy of her colleagues, students and community.

Cybersecurity and AI proved to be especially popular topics among Latin American attendees. Fernando Munoz Bernal, founder of an independent Colombian media organization, told China Daily that China "has shown immense potential in AI, with cost-effective, responsive and adaptable technology models that have created a new paradigm of open, shared international cooperation. Technological development requires a balanced perspective. There's no need for undue concern, and this forum has underscored China's vital role in AI."

At a sub-forum, scholars and experts from Xidian University, iFlytek and Alibaba Cloud shared their latest research and applications in the field of artificial intelligence.

"We hope that the forum will serve as a bridge linking governments, research institutions and enterprises. By showcasing China's AI applications in education, healthcare and other public-welfare fields, we aim to foster deep exchanges on technology R&D, policy formulation and cooperation mechanisms, accelerating the real-world impact of our collaborative achievements," said Duan Dawei, CFO of iFlytek, a leading Chinese artificial intelligence company.