Foreign ministry emphasizes reliance on China-LAC relations

The Foreign Ministry has highlighted the strong resilience of China-Latin American and Caribbean States relations against the backdrop of bloc confrontation and protectionism, pledging to enhance the effectiveness of their cooperation and strengthen alignment of development strategies.

Zhang Run, director-general of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at the "Linjia 7 Salon" on Monday, which was organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association.

China and LAC countries share a solid foundation of political mutual trust and enjoy broad and deep integration of interests, Zhang said.

Countries in the region are important parts of the Global South and key forces for promoting world multipolarity, he said.

There is only mutual support and joint progress between China and LAC countries, not a zero-sum game or geopolitical maneuvering based on winner-takes-all, he said.

In 2024, the trade volume between China and LAC countries has reached $518.4 billion, double that of a decade ago, according to him.

China has remained the second-largest trading partner of LAC countries for many consecutive years, and has implemented over 200 infrastructure projects in the region, launched numerous production capacity cooperation projects, and created over a million jobs, he said.

China has carried out livelihood assistance projects in all countries with which it has diplomatic ties in the region, offering them 17,000 government scholarships and 13,000 training opportunities in China, he said.

In May, the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum was held in Beijing, at which the two sides agreed to implement more than 100 projects over the next three years, while China pledged to initiate 20 measures to support the development of the countries in the region.

China is willing to continue to deepen cooperation with LAC countries in traditional sectors, while deepening collaboration in emerging fields such as AI, clean energy, and digital economy so that new technologies and industries will empower the region's future, Zhang said.

Tang Lingyun, deputy director-general of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, stressed at the salon that China–LAC cooperation is committed to openness and inclusiveness, which is not targeted at any third party, nor should it be disrupted by any third party.

The Pacific Ocean is vast enough for all, she said, adding that she hopes countries such as the United States will view China's cooperation with the region in a more open and inclusive manner.