Latin America Archives - Friends of Socialist China

CPC reiterates solidarity with Venezuela

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has reiterated its solidarity with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and with the revolutionary government of President Maduro.

Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met on November 26 with Remigio Ceballos, the Venezuelan Ambassador to China.

Liu said, in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Nicolas Maduro, China-Venezuela relations have continuously reached new heights. China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence, oppose external interference and support Venezuela in independently choosing its development path. The CPC and the PSUV share similar ideals and goals.

The Chinese side is willing to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, enhance exchanges at all levels, promote cooperation in areas such as cadre training, and increase coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, so as to advance the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela through inter-party channels.

Ceballos said, the governments, political parties and people of Venezuela and China maintain a brotherly friendship. Venezuela firmly supports China’s position on the Taiwan question and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the Belt and Road cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. No matter how the international situation changes, Venezuela will continue to uphold and fulfill its firm commitment to developing friendly relations with China and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as economy, trade, energy and education. The Embassy of Venezuela in China is willing to actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the ruling parties of the two countries.

The following article was first published on the website of the IDCPC.

Beijing, November 26th—Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Remigio Ceballos, Venezuelan Ambassador to China.

The US war on China, Venezuela and the international left

Over the past two months, the US has been engaged in an alarming military buildup around Venezuela, launching lethal strikes in international waters and openly weighing plans for direct attacks on Venezuelan territory. It is the largest US military concentration in the region in decades.

The arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with three destroyers and more than 5,500 troops, has heightened fears of imminent assault. The Ford joins roughly 10,000 US troops already stationed in the region. Ostensibly, these deployments are to counter drug trafficking, but Washington has provided exactly zero to substantiate any such threat. Since early September, US forces have carried out at least 19 airstrikes, killing nearly a hundred people on boats in international waters. These attacks have been widely denounced as being extrajudicial killings and blatant violations of international law.

The article below, written by CODEPINK activists Megan Russell and Michelle Ellner for Counterpunch, argues that the escalation against Venezuela is part of a multi-front war – domestically through repression and abroad through sanctions, tariffs, proxy wars and military aggression – to maintain US hegemony; to assert control over natural resources; and to subvert the global trajectory towards a multipolar world. The US push for war against both China and Venezuela “is but a violent reaction to the impending truth that US hegemonic status is slipping, and with it, its control on global resources, political power, and the ability to dictate the terms of development and sovereignty for the rest of the world.”

A similar point is made by Jeremy Corbyn in a piece for the Stop the War Coalition, in which he writes that the attack on Venezuela “is about the United States reasserting power in its (imperially named) ‘backyard’. It is no coincidence that this action is being taken at a time when countries in Latin and South America are looking increasingly towards BRICS trading partners, particularly China. Military intervention is just one part of a concerted assault on multipolarity.”

Megan and Michelle observe that China’s growing partnership with Venezuela provides a crucial counterweight to US hegemonism. Through loans, infrastructure projects, and friendly, mutually respectful relations, China has provided indispensable support for Venezuela’s sovereign development.

China has, over the past few decades, maintained a strong alliance with Venezuela. Starting in the early 2000s, China began providing Venezuela with tens of billions of dollars in loans to be repaid in oil shipments. This has enabled Venezuela to fund social programs and infrastructure while bypassing Western-controlled financial systems like the IMF and World Bank… China has also helped Venezuela build railways, housing projects, and telecommunications infrastructure as part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to foster development across the Global South.

In response to this latest escalation, China has taken a clear and principled stand, continuing to develop its bilateral cooperation with Venezuela and roundly condemning the US’s “unilateral and excessive enforcement operations”, stressing that these violate international law and the UN Charter. China has urged the US to return to proper judicial cooperation frameworks rather than acting as a self-appointed global policeman. In contrast to Washington’s coercion, China’s position rests on respect for sovereignty and international law, and an orientation towards peace.

The article concludes with a call for the broadest possible solidarity:

The struggle against US imperialism is a global struggle. To stand with Venezuela, with China, or with any nation resisting domination is to stand for the possibility of a new internationalism rooted in solidarity across borders.
That is our task–to connect these struggles, to see in every act of resistance the reflection of our own, and to build a world of shared humanity and global equality.

Everywhere you look, the United States is at war– at home, through military occupation of cities, institutional violence, and state-sanctioned kidnappings, and abroad, through economic coercion, proxy warfare, and endless intervention. In times like these, when it is far too easy to be overwhelmed by the inexhaustible nature of the war machine, we must remember that these are not separate crises, but different fronts of the same struggle. And to resist one is to resist them all.

The enemy, in every case, is U.S. imperialism.

Resistance movements against U.S. imperialism have sprouted up all over the world in response to its indiscriminate violence and disregard for human life. Together, they form the living front of the international left, a network of people and organizations that seek liberation from the same systems of domination and colonial control. While their forms differ, from student encampments to workers’ strikes, the purpose remains the same: an end to empire and the creation of a new multipolar world rooted in the simple truth of our shared humanity and the equal worth of every nation and people.

The alliance between China and Venezuela is part of this broader project. And the U.S. push for war against both nations is but a violent reaction to the impending truth that U.S. hegemonic status is slipping, and with it, its control on global resources, political power, and the ability to dictate the terms of development and sovereignty for the rest of the world.

Ma Hui meets friends from Guyana and Mexico

Vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC) Ma Hui recently met with visitors from Guyana and Mexico.

On October 15, he met with Donald Ramotar, Member of the Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) and former President of Guyana, along with Clement Rohee, former Foreign Minister of Guyana.

Ma said that the CPC is willing to strengthen experience exchange in state governance and administration with the PPP/C and jointly build a new type of inter-party relationship featuring seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual respect and mutual learning.

The Guyanese friends were visiting at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).

Two days previously, Ma had met with Alberto Anaya, President of the Labour Party (PT) of Mexico.

Ma said, China and Mexico are both important countries in the Global South. The CPC attaches great importance to friendly relations with all Mexican political parties, including the Labour Party, and is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and cooperation to promote the healthy development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mexico.

Anaya said, China’s development is rapid and its achievements are obvious to all. The rich experience of the CPC in party building and state governance is worth learning from. The Labour Party values its traditional friendship with the CPC and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties to contribute to the development of Mexico-China relations and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The PT is part of the progressive ruling coalition in Mexico. Anaya was in Beijing on his way home from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) where he had participated in the 80^th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).

The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Ma Hui Meets with Donald Ramotar, Member of the Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) and Former President of Guyana

Beijing, October 15th (IDCPC) – Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today Donald Ramotar, Member of the Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) and former President of Guyana, who was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking highly of the PPP/C and Ramotar for their positive contributions to promoting China-Guyana relations and inter-party exchanges between the two countries, Ma said, China is willing to work with Guyana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the continuous development of China-Guyana relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen experience exchange in state governance and administration with the PPP/C and jointly build a new type of inter-party relationship featuring seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual respect and mutual learning.

Ramotar thanked China for its valuable support for Guyana’s economic and social development and highly praised Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era—the latest achievements of the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times, and its global significance. He said, the PPP/C is willing to strengthen exchanges of ideas and experience with the CPC and jointly promote the development of the global cause of justice.

Clement Rohee, former Foreign Minister of Guyana, was present.

Ma Hui Meets with Alberto Anaya, President of the Labor Party of Mexico

Beijing, October 13th (IDCPC) – Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Alberto Anaya, President of the Labor Party of Mexico.

Ma said, China and Mexico are both important countries in the Global South. Win-win cooperation is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. The CPC attaches great importance to friendly relations with all Mexican political parties, including the Labor Party, and is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and cooperation to promote the healthy development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mexico.

Anaya said, China’s development is rapid and its achievements are obvious to all. The rich experience of the CPC in party building and state governance is worth learning from. The Labor Party values its traditional friendship with the CPC and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties to contribute to the development of Mexico-China relations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

China has consolidated itself as a true friend and a beacon of light for sovereign peoples

Wilfredo Hernández Maya, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, was among the members of the diplomatic corps in London who extended greetings in the opening rally of our 2025 second annual conference, held on Saturday, September 27.

Gathered in Bolívar Hall, he noted that, “your presence in this space, which bears the name of our Liberator, Simón Bolívar, is deeply meaningful: it unites the memory of the struggles for independence with today’s commitment to building a fairer, more supportive and multipolar world.”

“Today, through its clear international leadership, China offers us pathways of progress, cooperation and development in a world where traditional hegemonic powers seek to impose their will on our peoples through violence, imperialism, and a supremacist and racist vision.”

We are pleased to publish Comrade Wilfredo’s speech below.

Dear friends,

On behalf of Ambassador Félix Plasencia González and the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela, I extend to you all a fraternal word of welcome to our Bolívar Hall, which today is honoured to open its doors once again to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, together with Friends of Socialist China, as well as representatives of solidarity movements and the diplomatic corps of brotherly nations present here.

Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to Friends of Socialist China for choosing Bolívar Hall once more as the venue for this important gathering. Your presence in this space, which bears the name of our Liberator, Simón Bolívar, is deeply meaningful: it unites the memory of the struggles for independence with today’s commitment to building a fairer, more supportive and multipolar world.

We also wish to give special thanks to the friendly embassies and solidarity movements whose steadfast commitment accompanies us in the defence of sovereignty, the self-determination of peoples and respect for international law. Your support and friendship stand as testimony that our causes are shared, and that international cooperation founded on mutual respect is not only possible but essential.

Dear comrades,

In this year, when we mark both the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, we must remember the millions of men and women who gave their lives in the struggle against imperialist barbarism. That achievement was more than a military triumph: it represented the affirmation of the dignity of all humanity and the birth of a new hope. The brave Chinese people rose from the ruins and, through sacrifice, wrote one of the most glorious chapters in world history.

Venezuela recognises in that epic struggle the spiritual strength that continues to inspire the Chinese Revolution, today a beacon of sovereignty and social justice for its people and for the world. The People’s Republic of China, with its renewed and robust global leadership, now puts forward proposals of great meaning and potential for humanity, such as the Global Governance Initiative presented by President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, held in Tianjin this year.

This new international project complements the three initiatives previously advanced by China: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Together, they point towards building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind, in full harmony with Venezuela’s Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace and with our vision of a balanced world order, based on the sovereign equality of States, respect for international law, genuine multilateralism, and a focus on the wellbeing of peoples.

China and Cuba show that a better world is not only possible – it is being built day by day

The opening session of our China Conference 2025, held in London on September 27, was addressed by senior diplomats from the embassies of the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Russian Federation, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Below we reprint the main body of the inspiring speech delivered by Pablo Arturo Ginarte Sampedro, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba. He notes that: “This year we celebrate a momentous milestone: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People’s Republic of China. In 1960, revolutionary Cuba became the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to recognise the People’s Republic. That decision was an act of sovereignty and principle, and it laid the foundation for what has become an unbreakable, ironclad friendship. That friendship was forged by the historic leaders of our revolutions, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Chairman Mao Zedong.”

It is a profound honor to address you today from this historic place, Bolívar Hall, a beacon of Latin American culture and resistance here in London, graciously hosted by our dear Venezuelan comrades. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Cuba, I bring you the warmest, most fraternal greetings.

This year we celebrate a momentous milestone: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People’s Republic of China. In 1960, revolutionary Cuba became the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to recognise the People’s Republic. That decision was an act of sovereignty and principle, and it laid the foundation for what has become an unbreakable, ironclad friendship.

That friendship was forged by the historic leaders of our revolutions, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Chairman Mao Zedong. From those early days it has grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Today we work hand in hand to build a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Our partnership extends well beyond trade and infrastructure. Equally important is our collaboration in science and technology. Together we are building sovereign scientific capacity in the Global South so the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution serve people, not only the profits of a few multinational corporations. This scientific solidarity is essential for achieving genuine independence in the 21st century.

For Cuba, these are not abstract ideals. For more than 60 years my country has resisted the most brutal and prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade in human history, a criminal policy imposed by the United States. In that struggle our friendship with China has been a vital pillar of support. Through trade, investment, and solidarity, China has offered a crucial lifeline and shown the world a model of relations based on sincere mutual assistance rather than imperial domination.

Venezuela unveils monument to Chinese people’s victory

Venezuela honoured the 80^th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War to Resist Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3, with President Nicolás Maduro being joined by Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu to inaugurate a monument in the capital Caracas. They were also accompanied by senior members of the Venezuelan government, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino.

President Maduro stated: “From Caracas, we gift the Chinese people and President Xi Jinping this monument, which will be a permanent testament to the brave victory of resistance against the erstwhile Japanese empire.”

He compared this achievement to the victory of the Soviet Red Army against Nazi Germany, emphasising that “the Chinese people’s army brought the Japanese empire to its knees and defeated it.”

Maduro further reaffirmed the ties of cooperation between Venezuela and China in a context of international solidarity: “The victory of China is the victory of the Bolivarians. It is the victory of Venezuela.”

He also highlighted that currently, in addition to being an economic power, “China is the leading military power on planet earth. A sister power, a friendly power, a power without an imperialist, colonialist, or slave-owning vision.”

Ambassador Lan Hu expressed his gratitude to President Maduro and the Venezuelan people during the inauguration:

“In the name of the government and people of China, I would like to thank President Nicolás Maduro Moros and the government and people of Venezuela for the construction of this commemorative monument, for this great global victory,” he said.

He described it as a reflection of the friendship between the two nations, adding that the sculpture also represents recognition of both the Chinese and global anti-fascist cause, along with the firm determination of both countries to resist any aggression or military invasion,

The following article were first published by Orinoco Tribune and Global Times. That in Orinoco Tribune was originally published in Spanish by Telesur.

Venezuela Commemorates 80 Years of China’s Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan

September 4 (Orinoco Tribune) – Venezuela celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory of China in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, a part of World War II in Asia. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro presided over an official event held in Caracas on Wednesday, September 3, to commemorate the event. He was accompanied by China’s ambassador to Venezuela, Lan Hu, and high-level members of the Venezuelan government, such as Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

During the ceremony, a commemorative monument was inaugurated to honor China’s liberation from Japanese rule in 1945, a milestone of global significance. “From Caracas, we gift the Chinese people and President Xi Jinping this monument, which will be a permanent testament to the brave victory of resistance against the erstwhile Japanese empire,” stated the Venezuelan president.

President Maduro highlighted the historical significance of the people of China. “Today, 80 years later, we commemorate that victory that happened due to the unity of all of China,” he said. “The people saved their culture, their history, and recovered more than half of their territory that they lost in this criminal, colonial, savage war of the then Japanese empire.”

Trump’s tariffs against Latin America: part of a global battle

In the following Morning Star article, Francisco Domínguez (Secretary of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and member of Friends of Socialist China’s Britain committee) situates Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war against Latin America within a broader US imperial strategy to block the emergence of a multipolar world — particularly one shaped by China’s growing influence.

While Trump’s tariffs and other coercive economic measures often appear chaotic, their underlying goal is to “slow down, reduce and if possible, eliminate altogether” China’s alternative vision of global order, based on solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation rather than “weaponisation of the dollar, economic sanctions or military aggression.”

Washington views the increasingly close relationship between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and China as intolerable. China has become South America’s main trading partner and Central America’s second largest, expanding beyond raw materials into infrastructure, electric vehicles, telecommunications and renewable energy. Thus China is helping the countries of the region to break out of centuries of underdevelopment imposed by North America and Europe.

Francisco argues that the US–China relationship is often misrepresented as an inevitable conflict between superpowers (a ‘Thucydides Trap’), when in reality it reflects “two different conceptions of how to organise the global economy.” The US insists on a zero-sum model that creates winners in the developed North and losers in the Global South; China promotes a model based on multipolarity, sovereignty and common prosperity.

The article concludes: “The US considers itself the ‘indispensable nation’ which has always engaged in zero-sum games whose outcome produces winners (the US and its economically developed accomplices) and losers (the vast majority of humanity who reside in the global South). Trump’s tariffs intend to keep it that way, while Latin America’s orientation towards Asia, China and the Brics is correctly pushing in the opposite direction: to a fairer, multipolar world.”

Francisco elaborates on these points in a recent interview on the Global Majority for Peace podcast, which we embed below the article.

Trump’s threat of imposing a crippling 50 per cent tariff on all Brazilian imports to the United States took everyone by surprise, especially, considering the US enjoys a trade surplus with the South American giant (surplus it has enjoyed since 2007). Lula made it clear that Brazil would reciprocate in kind.

Trump tariffs against Brazil are in line with his overall policy of applying tariffs on all countries in the world. Under Trump US imperialism seeks to establish a global system that it suits itself such that it can impose or change any rule any time it wants and attack any country it dislikes.

As with many other global institutions, Trump, following in the footsteps of previous US administrations, is prepared to run roughshod over World Trade Organisation rules that US imperialism itself was central in establishing in 1995.

Thus, his attack on Mexico is not surprising either, country with which it has a substantial trade deficit caused by its southern neighbour’s incorporation into US supply chain arrangements ever since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta).

The US has had a trade deficit with Mexico ever since 1995, exactly one year after Nafta.

To Trump’s chagrin, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has vigorously defended her country’s sovereignty and has skilfully navigated US provocations.

To the charge of Mexico being a drug-trafficking hub, she has pointed out to US negotiators that the “the US itself harbours cartels, is the largest narcotic consumer market, exports the majority of armaments used by drug barons and hosts money-laundering banks.” She has also resolutely refused the deployment of US troops on Mexican soil.

China strengthens party ties with Honduras

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has strengthened its friendly ties with the ruling Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) Party of Honduras.

On July 27, Ma Hui, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met in Beijing with a LIBRE delegation led by Gerardo Torres, Secretary of International Liaison for the party and Vice Foreign Minister of Honduras.

China and Honduras established diplomatic relations on March 26, 2023. President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento paid a state visit to China from June 9-14, 2023.

The next day, Ma Hui met with a delegation from the Autonomous Community of Catalonia of Spain, led by Salvador Illa, Secretary of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and President of the Government of Catalonia.

Ma said that the CPC is willing to work with the PSOE to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance exchanges between the two parties, give full play to the role of the “political party +” platform, and support the practical cooperation between the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and China, so as to contribute to the healthy and stable development of China-Spain and China-European Union relations.

Illa said that the Autonomous Community of Catalonia will adhere to the friendly policy towards China of the Spanish central government and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields, so as to achieve common development.

This was the second reported contact between the CPC and political forces in Catalonia in recent months. Our previous report may be read here.

And on July 29, Ma Hui met with a delegation of Chilean parliamentarians led by Gastón Saavedra from the Socialist Party (PS), and who is head of the labour and social security committee of the Chilean Senate, who were visiting China at the invitation of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Ma positively evaluated the friendly relations between China and Chile, stating that exchanges between political parties are an important part of bilateral relations. The CPC has maintained close ties with Chilean political parties from both the ruling and opposition sides for a long time, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.

After the meeting, Ma Hui joined the Chilean delegation in participating in an exchange activity with teachers and students from Dingri in Xigaze City, Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, who were in Beijing for a program on the introductory journey into diplomacy of young people from Xizang.

We previously reported on Ma Hui’s visit to Nicaragua to participate in the anniversary celebrations of the July 19 Sandinista popular revolution. Following this, and prior to returning to Beijing, he led a CPC delegation to visit El Salvador, July 21-22, and Costa Rica, July 23-24.

The following articles were originally published on the IDCPC website.

Ma Hui Meets with a Delegation of the LIBRE Party of Honduras

Beijing, July 27th (IDCPC) —Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) Party led by Gerardo Torres, Secretary of International Liaison for the Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) Party and Vice Foreign Minister of Honduras.

Ma positively evaluated the benefits brought to the people of both countries by the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras. He said, the CPC and the LIBRE had friendly exchanges before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This visit is the first visit to China by a LIBRE delegation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in the relations between the two Parties. China is willing to deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration with the LIBRE, enhance the breadth and depth of inter-party cooperation, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Honduras relations.

Torres reaffirmed Honduras’ firm commitment to the one-China principle, and said that the LIBRE hopes to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance with the CPC, promote the development of bilateral relations, and better benefit the people of both countries.

Nicaragua celebrates anti-imperialist solidarity and friendship with China on anniversary of victorious Sandinista revolution

July 19 marked the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Sandinista Popular Revolution in Nicaragua, with the centrepiece being a massive nighttime celebration in the capital Managua.

Numerous representatives attended from friendly countries, including China, Russia, Palestine, Vietnam, Venezuela, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Honduras, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Belarus, Türkiye, and others.

Anti-imperialism was a central theme running through the keynote speech delivered by President Daniel Ortega. The key points were summarised by US anti-imperialist journalist and political analyst Ben Norton in a post on X (Twitter) as follows:

Nicaragua offers its full support for Palestine, and unflinching opposition to the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Nicaragua strongly supports Iran in its defence against US-Israeli aggression.

Fascism has its roots in European colonialism. The West talks about “democracy” and “human rights”, but the crimes committed by European empires – like the transatlantic slave trade of millions of Africans and the French empire’s mass atrocities in Algeria – were very similar to those committed by Nazi Germany. (Ortega praised the Algerian Revolution as an inspiration for Nicaragua.)

Haiti had the first victorious revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti inspired Simón Bolívar, and militarily supported him, as he carried out his own anti-colonial revolution in South America. Nicaragua is inspired by Haiti’s example.

Immediately after Spanish colonialism was defeated in Latin America, US imperialism replaced it. The US invaded Nicaragua several times, and US imperialism remains the principal threat for Latin America and the world today.

Never forget the crimes the US committed in Nicaragua in the 1980s, when the CIA armed and trained the far-right Contra terrorists. Ortega recalled that the US-sponsored Contras also trafficked drugs, many of which ended up in US neighbourhoods.

It was the Soviet Union and China that defeated fascism in World War Two. This year is the 80th anniversary of their heroic victory over Nazi Germany and the fascist Japanese empire.

“We in the [Sandinista] Front were inspired by the Russian Revolution and the Chinese Revolution”, Ortega said. He praised Mao Zedong as a “great leader who is always in our thoughts.”

Today, the People’s Republic of China and Russian Federation are friends of the Global South, helping Nicaragua and other countries to defend their sovereignty against Western imperialism.

Capitalist Europe is now remilitarising and massively increasing its military spending on weapons because it, along with the US, wants to prepare for war against Russia and China.

The United Nations has become a tool dominated by the Western imperialist powers, and the US uses its veto power to prevent the UN from taking any significant action (like stopping the genocide in Gaza). The UN needs a “refoundation”.

The world desperately wants peace, so countries can economically develop and end poverty, but US imperialism is the main obstacle.

In her address, Co-President Rosario Murillo emphasised:

“Our Nicaragua, a Free Territory, a Glorious Land of Warriors of Peace, greets with Honourable Joy and Certain Hope, all the Peoples who now fighting, without surrendering, for the other World that is now indispensable, and the Delegations that represent them in this formidable Act of Commitment to Liberation, and to Fraternal, Solidarity and Shared Vocation, for the Common Good, which the Planet and Humanity so badly need.”

China at UN: The success of the Colombian peace process depends on rural reform

China has again reiterated its support for the peace process in Colombia and for the efforts of the progressive government of President Petro in that regard.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing held on 18 July, Ambassador Geng Shuang said that: “The Colombian peace process is a successful example of ending conflict and rebuilding peace through dialogue and negotiation. At present, as the Colombian peace process has entered uncharted waters, relevant parties should firm up resolve to overcome difficulties and steadfastly advance the peace process for the country’s stability and development… China supports President Petro’s decision to prioritise implementation of the peace agreement in the remainder of his term.”

However, he forcefully underlined – as China has previously stated – that the success of the peace process is highly dependent on expediting and deepening rural reform in the country:

“Comprehensive rural reform is a priority for implementing the peace agreement, as well as an important pillar for Colombia’s national development. At present, with the average implementation rate standing at only 30%, the rural reform progress is lagging. China encourages the Colombian government to increase resource allocation, strengthen coordination, accelerate rural reform and continuously unlock development dividends. China welcomes Colombia’s decision to host the Second International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development in February next year. China is ready to actively participate in the meeting and to share its experiences in poverty reduction and rural revitalisation, and support Colombia in agricultural and rural development.”

He added that: “Regarding the recent violent conflict in some regions, we support the Colombian government in strengthening security deployment, enhancing effective control over conflict-affected and remote areas, ensuring safety and security of the people, including former combatants, ethnic minorities, women, children and other vulnerable groups, and preventing the recurrence of such violent incidents.”

The following is the full text of Geng Shuang’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations.

President,

I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. Over the past six years, under his leadership, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia has played an important role in supporting the Colombian peace process. China commends SRSG Massieu for his work, and looks forward to his even greater achievements in his new capacity as SRSG on Haiti.

I welcome Vice Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir to today’s meeting, and congratulate Colombia on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.

Venezuela expo boosts development and friendship

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez visited the Great China-Venezuela Expo, held in La Carlota, Miranda state, on July 4.

The event, whose motto was “Building a Splendorous Future,” was held to coincide with the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and China.

Three agreements were signed: On the delivery and reception of the donation of supplies for the protection of water resources granted by China to Venezuela; A technological cooperation agreement; and one with the China Development Bank.

President Maduro explained that significant investments were discussed with the China Development Bank “for the development of agriculture, agroindustry, aquaculture, and investments in the hydrocarbons sector for the production of oil, gas, and the development of petrochemicals and the refining industry.”

A memorandum of understanding was also signed with China’s iFlutek to jointly develop AI technology. iFlutek develops voice recognition and artificial intelligence technologies, and the agreement is expected to provide Venezuela with advanced solutions in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, and telecommunications.

President Maduro highlighted the importance of an agreement between “a world leader in technology and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to develop Venezuelan artificial intelligence, sovereign, and at the highest level of the alliance with the People’s Republic of China.”

“This expo is one more step towards a future of shared prosperity,” he said, and pointed out that the relations with China are an example that another world is possible and that the first power in the world is now the People’s Republic of China.

The following article was first published in Spanish by Ultimas Noticias. This English translation was originally carried by Orinoco Tribune.

Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro attended the Great China-Venezuela Expo being held in La Carlota, Miranda state. This event, whose motto is “Building a Splendorous Future,” is being held on the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and China.

On Friday, July 4, three agreements were signed between the two countries. The first one was on the delivery and reception of the donation of supplies for the protection of water resources granted by China to Venezuela. The second one was a technological cooperation agreement, and the third one was with the China Development Bank.

Investment in the hydrocarbons sector

He also reported that investments for the development of infrastructure for the electricity supply service, transportation, and science and technology were discussed.

Artificial intelligence

A memorandum of understanding was also signed with China’s iFlutek to jointly develop AI technology.

iFlutek develops voice recognition and artificial intelligence technologies, and the agreement is expected to provide Venezuela with advanced solutions in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, and telecommunications.

“Venezuela enters through the front door in the vanguard in the development of artificial intelligence,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that China and Venezuela have built a relationship based on complementarity and mutual respect. “This expo is one more step towards a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

He stressed that it is a “great brotherhood in conditions of respect,” relations that have been strengthened with China.

At the event, President Maduro was accompanied by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez (who chairs the China-Venezuela High-Level Commission). They toured alongside the Chinese delegation various booths and halls where the agreements and alliances between the two nations were reviewed.

President Maduro pointed out that the relations with China are an example that another world is possible and that the first power in the world is now the People’s Republic of China.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez highlighted the self-determination and sovereignty of both countries that maintain relations within the framework of respect.

“I thank President Xi Jinping for all his support, all his solidarity, for his constant encouragement at all junctures. I thank the President of the China Development Bank, Comrade Tang, for this visit, which marks a new beginning, a new start of a splendid relationship,” said President Maduro.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador to Venezuela, Lan Hu, said that it is necessary to expand pragmatic cooperation and further strengthen cultural and human ties.

He noted that the expo opens the opportunity to boost bilateral cooperation even further.

“For more than half a century, bilateral coordination has achieved significant development in all areas. Despite international adversities, we have supported each other, defending international equity and justice and the rights of the countries of the Global South,” he said.

“Understanding and respect for political systems and development philosophies have prevailed,” he said, asserting that over 50 Chinese companies from different sectors are present at the fair. “Products, materials, and services are exhibited, and the bilateral relationship is very dynamic,” he added.

The expo: Building a Splendorous Future

Those who visit the Great Expo will be able to appreciate commercial exhibitions of Venezuelan-Chinese products and services, business rounds to strengthen bilateral investment, and cultural presentations.

The Great China-Venezuela Expo “Building a Splendorous Future” aims to be a symbol of friendship and progress, laying the groundwork for new growth opportunities for the benefit of the peoples of both nations.

The main events will be held on July 5-6 at the Simón Bolívar Park in La Carlota. They will showcase the progress in bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities in key sectors such as technology, energy, trade, and infrastructure.

China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro on July 5, the eve of the 17^th BRICS Summit.

Li said that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. He conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to Lula, noting that China-Brazil relations are in their best shape ever, with both sides working together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

Li also urged both countries to jointly ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, step up cooperation in education, youth, healthcare and other areas, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthen public support for China-Brazil friendship and cooperation, adding that China supports Brazil in hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) later this year.

Lula said that Brazil is ready to promote exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, science and technology, finance, and aerospace, and also seeks to deepen collaboration with China in addressing climate change. Brazil welcomes China’s participation in the upcoming COP30.

The previous day, Li made a stopover on the Greek island of Rhodes on his way to Brazil.

Meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Li said that China is willing to work with Greece to leverage complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the plan for the Port of Piraeus in a high-quality manner, and promote more optimised and balanced development of the bilateral trade.

He noted that President Xi Jinping met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023 and reached important consensus on deepening bilateral relations. Over the past two years, he added, China and Greece have actively implemented the outcomes of the visit and promoted high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation, delivering more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

China is also ready to work with Greece to enhance cooperation in such fields as clean energy, power transmission and transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI), and foster new drivers for economic growth. China also supports and encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to actively invest in Greece.

It is hoped that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations, he added.

For his part, Hatzidakis said that Greece and China are both ancient civilisations, and Greece attaches great importance to developing its relations with China.

China is a major country with significant international influence, he said, adding that Greece is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and address global challenges such as climate change. Greece is also willing to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese premier says to expand cooperation with Brazil in digital economy, aerospace

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit.

Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on July 9.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the friendship has taken deeper roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

For his part, Arce said that the Bolivian side highly commends China’s support and assistance in areas such as infrastructure, technology, energy and healthcare, and applauds China’s leadership in uniting the Global South, promoting China-Latin America cooperation and working toward a more just, equitable and inclusive international order.

Earlier, on July 5, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations with his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Wang noted that Ghana is one of the first Sub-Saharan African countries to establish diplomatic ties with China.

For his part, Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Ghana’s socio-economic development. The Ghanaian side looks forward to working with China to push for the continuous development of the Ghana-China strategic partnership.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi, Bolivian president exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Wednesday.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that over the 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Bolivia relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have always maintained a sound momentum for growth.

Nicaragua and China break ground on landmark solar project to power water access and energy sovereignty

The following report in Telesur notes that Nicaragua, in partnership with China, has inaugurated construction on the country’s largest solar plant to date, powering water systems, cutting energy costs, and deepening South-South cooperation on infrastructure for social good. The plant marks “a strategic leap toward energy independence, climate resilience, and universal access to clean water”.

According to the article, the Enesolar-3 photovoltaic facility in Masaya, funded with $83 million of Chinese investment, is set to supply renewable energy to the country’s water utility, ENACAL, directly benefiting nearly 4 million people across urban and rural communities.

Framed as more than just an infrastructure project, Enesolar-3 is part of a broader initiative by the Sandinista government to expand renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and ensure access to public utilities as a basic human right.

Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential advisor for investment and international cooperation, stated at the the cornerstone ceremony that “this is our Sandinista Popular Revolution delivering works of progress, development, dignity, and peace for the Nicaraguan people—together with our brothers from the People’s Republic of China”.

When construction is complete, Enesolar-3 will be Nicaragua’s largest green solar power plant.

China’s ambassador to Nicaragua, Chen Xi, “reaffirmed China’s support for Nicaragua’s development and praised the South-South partnership as one rooted in equality, sovereignty, and mutual respect”.

Nicaragua has inaugurated construction on a major solar power plant in partnership with China, marking a strategic leap toward energy independence, climate resilience, and universal access to clean water. Funded by an $83 million investment from Beijing, the Enesolar-3 photovoltaic facility in Nindirí, Masaya, is set to supply renewable energy to the country’s water utility, ENACAL, directly benefiting nearly 4 million people across urban and rural communities.

CPC strengthens ties with Afghanistan, Uruguay, Nepal, Cuba and other countries

We previously reported on the May visit to China by Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as well as joining an informal trilateral meeting in which Pakistan Foreign Minister (and also Deputy Prime Minister) Mohammad Ishaq Dar also participated.

Following these meetings, the website of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC) reported that, on May 23, IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, also met with Muttaqi.

Liu said, China and Afghanistan have similar historical experiences, and the Chinese people have a natural friendly feeling towards the Afghan people. China respects the development path independently chosen by the Afghan people and adheres to the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. China is willing to work with Afghanistan to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to strengthen political dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, exchange and learn from each other’s experiences in state governance and administration, enhance mutual understanding and trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and promote cooperation in all fields.

Muttaqi said that he is confident about the future of Afghanistan-China relations. Afghanistan and China have a thousand-year history of friendly exchanges and share similar historical experiences, understanding and sympathising with each other. Afghanistan will not allow any force to use its territory to engage in activities that harm China’s interests and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, security and other fields to further promote the development of bilateral relations. The CPC is committed to serving the people and has led the Chinese people to score great achievements in economic and social development, especially in poverty alleviation. This sets an example for us. Afghanistan is willing to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from China’s successful experience.

Some other recent highlights in the work of the IDCPC include:

On May 28, Liu Jianchao met with a delegation of the Broad Front of Uruguay led by its President Fernando Pereira Kosec.

Liu said, not long ago, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum was successfully held. President Xi Jinping announced the launch of five programs, namely Solidarity Program, Development Program, Civilisation Program, Peace Program and People-to-People Connectivity Program, charting the course for the future development of China-Latin America relations. Uruguay will hold the rotating presidency of CELAC next year. China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with Uruguay and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to jointly address global challenges. Since the establishment of relations between the CPC and the Broad Front, he added, the two Parties have maintained friendly exchanges. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with the Broad Front, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as poverty alleviation and party building, and promote practical cooperation in various fields.

Pereira said, the Broad Front of Uruguay values the long-term friendly relations with the CPC and is willing to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties, expand cooperation in areas such as cadre training, learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation, long-term planning and party building, promote cooperation in economy, trade and other fields, and further enhance the connection between the two countries in politics, economy, society and culture, and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

China-Latin American/Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of meetings with his counterparts immediately before and after the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum.

On May 12, he met with his counterparts from Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, and from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Peru.

During a group meeting with the foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, Wang Yi said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum, which is of great significance in building on past achievements and opening up new prospects. Over the past decade, the China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership has entered a fast track, yielding remarkable outcomes across various fields. Leaders of all Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China have made visits to China, and eight Caribbean nations have joined the big family of the Belt and Road Initiative. A large number of key cooperation projects between China and the Caribbean have been put into use or are well underway. Six Caribbean countries have signed comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with China. People-to-people and cultural exchanges between both sides have grown increasingly active. All Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China have established Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms, and the number of sister-city partnerships continues to grow. During the pandemic, the two sides stood together through thick and thin, writing a new chapter in China-Caribbean friendship.

He stated that Caribbean countries are an indispensable part of the China-CELAC Forum, and China-Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects. Looking ahead, both sides should work together to deepen and strengthen the China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership. It is important to deepen political mutual trust and continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. Both sides should step up practical cooperation and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to help Caribbean countries accelerate self-driven development. The two sides should enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen cooperation in education, culture, news, sports and other fields, and bring people’s hearts closer. China will offer more government scholarships and training opportunities. China will also continue to assist Caribbean countries in addressing climate change and support Caribbean countries in seeking strength through unity and playing a greater role in international affairs.

Foreign ministers and representatives of Caribbean countries expressed the view that the Caribbean nations and China show mutual trust and mutual respect. They expressed gratitude to China for its long-standing and strong support in key areas such as infrastructure, green development, post-disaster reconstruction, agriculture, healthcare, and education in Caribbean countries. This has helped Caribbean countries improve people’s well-being, enhance economic resilience and accelerate sustainable development, and set an example for South-South cooperation. The one-China principle remains the cornerstone of relations between the Caribbean and China, and Caribbean countries will continue to firmly uphold it.

Xi Jinping meets with presidents of Colombia and Chile

Chinese President Xi Jinping met separately with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the morning of May 14. Both leaders were in China to attend the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum.

During his visit President Petro announced that Colombia would formally join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In their meeting, President Xi said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to work with Colombia to promote greater development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and bring more benefits to the people of both countries. The two sides should take Colombia officially joining the big family of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as an opportunity to promote the quality improvement and upgrade of cooperation between the two countries. China is ready to import more high-quality products from Colombia, support Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in Colombia, and participate in infrastructure development. The two sides can further expand cooperation in emerging fields such as wind energy, new energy vehicles, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and jointly achieve green and low-carbon transformation.

The Chinese leader stressed that China-LAC [Latin America and the Caribbean] cooperation is an important part of South-South cooperation. It conforms to the general trend of world development and historical trends and is in line with the common interests of China and LAC countries. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum sent a positive signal to the world of seeking common development and revitalisation. As the rotating president CELAC, Colombia has made significant contributions to the successful holding of the meeting.

Gustavo Petro said, the friendly relations between Colombia and China have a long history. The two sides should deepen political mutual trust, enhance mutual support, advance Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, new energy and artificial intelligence, and improve people’s livelihood. Amid the current complex and volatile international landscape, the self-serving practices of certain countries are not beneficial to the world. All countries should unite to respond. Colombia is willing to cooperate closely with China to safeguard international fairness and justice and protect the common interests of developing countries.

Petro also met with Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Meeting Chilean President Boric, Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Chile. Fifty-five years ago, the visionary elder leaders of both countries broke through the shadow of the Cold War and pioneered the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and South American countries. [Xi Jinping refers here to Salvador Allende, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. Chile established diplomatic relations with China on December 15, 1970, the first country on the South American mainland to do so, just over three months after Allende led his Popular Unity coalition to victory and assumed office.]

China and Brazil work together to uphold multipolarity and oppose hegemony

In addition to attending the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States], Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid a state visit to China. On the afternoon of May 13, he held talks with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders.

Xi Jinping noted that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil last year, the two sides jointly announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. This strategic decision has drawn a grand blueprint for the next “golden 50 years” of China-Brazil relations. Amid the changing and turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil should remain committed to the original aspiration of contributing to human progress and global development, deepen the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, continuously seek greater synergy between development strategies, and work together to promote greater solidarity and coordination among Global South countries.

The two sides should deepen the effective synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s development strategies, give full play to the role of various cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and expand new frontiers of cooperation in energy transition, aerospace, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, so as to create more highlights in practical cooperation between the two countries.

Taking the opportunity of the China-Brazil Years of Culture to be held next year, the two sides should enhance cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and at the sub-national level, and provide more convenience for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. And they should maintain multilateral cooperation to enrich the China-Brazil community with a shared future. As two major developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres, China and Brazil should enhance coordination and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the China-CELAC Forum, jointly uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, and safeguard the international economic and trade order. The two sides should take a clear-cut stand against unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying acts.

President Lula said, Brazil and China uphold mutual respect and share a common future. The bilateral relationship remains solid and unbreakable and brooks no disruption or undermining by any external factors. Unlike other major countries, China has consistently offered sincere support and assistance to Latin American countries, including Brazil, in their pursuit of economic and social development. Brazil is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, advance the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future, work together to build a more just, peaceful and prosperous world, and set an example for other countries. Brazil is ready to synergise its development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, infrastructure, aerospace, and finance. Brazil seeks to expand youth and cultural exchanges to enhance interactions and friendship between the two peoples. China’s achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable, and Brazil is willing to learn from China’s experience to lift more people out of poverty and hunger. Under the current circumstances, it is essential to firmly defend multilateralism. Protectionism and the abuse of tariffs will not bring development and prosperity but only lead to chaos. China’s firm stance in addressing global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. Brazil is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with China in international affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.

The two heads of state also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, agreeing that as peace-loving forces for progress, China and Brazil should strengthen communication and coordination, give play to the role of the Group of Friends for Peace, support Russia and Ukraine in initiating direct dialogue, and work with other Global South countries to continue playing a constructive role in resolving the crisis.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents covering areas such as the synergy of development strategies, science and technology, agriculture, the digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Strengthening the Building of a China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future for a More Just World and a More Sustainable Planet and on Jointly Upholding Multilateralism, as well as the China-Brazil Joint Statement on the Ukraine Crisis.

In their meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil over 50 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, becoming good friends and partners who share weal and woe and pursue common development. Currently, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have entered a golden period of growth. China is ready to work with Brazil to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, constantly expand the strategic dimension of bilateral relations, comprehensively intensify mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, and move forward side by side and achieve mutual success on the path to modernisation.

Lula: Latin America, the Caribbean and China show it is possible to fight climate change without sacrificing growth and justice

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum, which was held in Beijing on May 13, 2025, saw Chinese President Xi Jinping joined by Colombian President and current CELAC president Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and President of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in addressing the opening ceremony.

In his speech, President Lula da Silva said: “Over the past decade, ties between Latin America and the Caribbean and China have grown stronger. China is now CELAC’s second-largest trading partner and one of the region’s most important sources of foreign direct investment. Funds from Chinese financial institutions surpass the loans offered by the World Bank or the Inter-American Development Bank. Partnership with China has become a dynamic force in the regional economy.”

He added: “Chinese demand was one of the driving forces behind the growth we experienced at the beginning of the century. We made significant advances in reducing poverty and inequality. It was during this time that we finally looked around us and united to create UNASUR [Union of South American Nations] and CELAC.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese vaccines and medical supplies helped us protect our populations. Only through greater coordination among ourselves can we fully harness the potential of Sino–Latin American and Caribbean cooperation.

“This is especially evident in infrastructure. Chinese support is decisive for moving forward with highways, railways, ports, and transmission lines. But the economic viability of these projects depends on our ability to coordinate as a region and give these initiatives regional scale.”

He noted that, “For centuries, resources extracted from Latin America and the Caribbean enriched other parts of the world. We now have a chance to do things differently”, and particularly emphasised: “Latin America, the Caribbean, and China can show the world that it is possible to fight climate change without sacrificing economic growth and social justice. COP30, to be held in Belém, in the state of Pará, at the heart of the Amazon, aspires to be a turning point in the implementation of climate commitments and in building trust in collective solutions.”

In concluding, he said that he wanted to, “issue a call to all comrades of Latin America: There is no way out for any country on its own. We have 500 years of history that prove this. Either we unite among ourselves and seek partners willing to build a shared world with us, or Latin America will remain a region synonymous with poverty in today’s world.”

In his address, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a rethinking of humanity’s path through a new international cooperation paradigm that transcends the nation-state model and embraces a “dialogue of civilisations” as a political, historical and anthropological foundation for the global future.

He noted that: “A dialogue among civilisations cannot be imposed. It is a guiding principle for the relationship between CELAC and China. It is a possibility that China wants, and we want as well.” Challenging the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ theory propounded by the late US political scientist Samuel Huntington, the Colombian president instead advocated for an integrative vision as promoted by China – one in which cultural differences are not sources of conflict, but of collective human development as a political subject.

“How could there be fruitful dialogue if we don’t talk about clean energy, for example? If we don’t talk about decarbonisation? If we don’t speak as equals about how to achieve, through support for decarbonisation in North America, the possibility of prosperity in the South, and therefore, the possibility of mutual cooperation?

China and LAC countries bound by a shared commitment to justice and a common pursuit of modernisation

On May 13, 2025, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum was held in Beijing, presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and attended by foreign ministers and representatives of CELAC member states as well as heads of regional organisations.

President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address.

In the subsequent ministerial meeting, Wang Yi said that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping and Leaders of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries jointly announced the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum and advocated for building a China-LAC community with a shared future. After a decade of dedicated efforts, the Forum has developed into a mature mechanism and an important platform for equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and LAC countries, adding new dimensions to the China-LAC comprehensive cooperative partnership and injecting fresh momentum into the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future.

He added that China and LAC countries are separated by a vast ocean. What binds the two sides together? Not a geopolitical chessboard, nor a game of big power rivalry, but a shared commitment to fairness and justice and a common pursuit of modernisation. China-LAC cooperation rejects bloc confrontation and advocates for openness and win-win results. It has set a new example for building a new type of international relations and injected new impetus into cooperation among the Global South. History and reality have shown that in the face of unilateralism and hegemony, compromise and appeasement offer no way out, and only by standing united can respect be earned. As developing countries and members of the Global South, China and LAC countries should work together to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

The meeting adopted the Beijing Declaration of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-2027).

Just prior to the meeting, Wang Yi released an article, entitled ‘Planning Together for Development and Revitalisation, Building Together a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future’.

He wrote that in the 10 years since the forum was established, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras established or resumed diplomatic relations with China. The one-China principle has increasingly become the consensus of regional countries. To date, China has established different types of partnerships with 16 countries in the region, including the China-Cuba community with a shared future and the China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

The Global Development Initiative has gained wide support of regional countries, and more than 20 countries have synergised development strategies with China under the Belt and Road cooperation framework. The trade volume between China and LAC countries doubled in the past decade, reaching a historic milestone of US$518.4 billion in 2024.

More than 200 infrastructure projects and multiple industrial capacity cooperation projects built by China have generated more than one million jobs for local people.

China has so far provided LAC countries with 17,000 government scholarships and around 13,000 training opportunities in China, signed 26 cooperation documents on education with 19 regional countries, and opened 68 Confucius Institutes or Classrooms in 26 regional countries.

China-LAC cooperation is a natural choice in line with the prevailing trend of the world. The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive hallmark of the great transformation in the world. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Increased cooperation between the two sides sends a strong message of the Global South seeking strength through unity and aligns with the dominant trend toward a multipolar world. This not only injects new substance into China-LAC relations but also makes new contributions to a more fair and equitable international order.

China-LAC cooperation is a natural choice to pursue a shared future. China and LAC countries have supported each other in their respective struggles against imperialism and colonialism and in our fight for national liberation. They have also supported each other in exploring development paths befitting their respective national conditions. Deeper cooperation between them has created growth drivers for both sides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China and LAC countries went all-out supporting each other. History and reality have consistently demonstrated that building a China-LAC community with a shared future is a common endeavour of the willing that is underpinned by concrete actions.