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China and Uruguay pledge closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation

President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay recently paid a one-week state visit to China, becoming the first leader from Latin America and the Caribbean to do so in 2026. The visit coincided with the 38^th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and with Uruguay’s assumption of the rotating chair of the Group of 77 and China, an economic grouping of developing countries, as well as in the wake of the brazen US kidnapping of the Venezuelan president and his wife at the beginning of the year.

President Xi Jinping met his Uruguayan counterpart on the morning of February 3.

Xi said that despite long distance between the two countries, China and Uruguay share similar ideals and profound friendship. On this very day 38 years ago, China and Uruguay established diplomatic relations. Thirty-eight years on, no matter how the international situation evolves, China and Uruguay have always engaged with each other in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Under the new circumstances, the two countries should carry forward past traditions, deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, and let the tree of China-Uruguay friendship continue to grow and flourish.

The two sides should strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, finance, agriculture and animal husbandry, infrastructure construction, and information and communications technology, tap into the cooperation potential in emerging sectors such as green development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, and promote the transformation and upgrading of economic growth. The Chinese and Uruguayan people share a natural bond of affinity. The two sides should continue to deepen exchanges in areas such as culture, education, sports, and media and at the sub-national level, facilitate cross-border travel, and strengthen people-to-people connectivity.

Turning to the regional and international situation, President Xi Jinping noted that the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, the international situation is volatile and turbulent, and unilateral bullying practices are growing more rampant. China supports Uruguay in assuming the rotating chair of the Group of 77 and China, and stands ready to work with Uruguay to strengthen solidarity and cooperation across the Global South, jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, move forward together in pursuit of common development, and make greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. China attaches high importance to its relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), supports LAC countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests, and supports Uruguay in assuming the rotating chair of both the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). China stands ready to work with Uruguay and other regional countries to further deepen and substantiate the joint initiative of building a China-LAC community with a shared future.

President Yamandú Orsi said that China is an important cooperation partner of Uruguay and has provided selfless assistance for Uruguay’s economic and social development. Growing relations with China is now Uruguay’s state policy, gaining unanimous support from all political parties and across the society. The two sides should strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, poverty alleviation, green economy, and digital economy, and promote people-to-people exchanges in education, sports, tourism, and other fields in order to inject stronger momentum into Uruguay-China relations and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples. Uruguay commends the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity proposed by President Xi Jinping. Facing the challenging international and regional situations, Uruguay stands ready to work with China to promote respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the international trading system, further advance LAC-China relations, and defend the common interests of the Global South.

Lula and Xi consult on bilateral ties and regional situation

Chinese President Xi Jinping held an important telephone conversation with his Brazilian counterpart President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on January 23.

President Xi noted that in 2024, he and President Lula jointly announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. For more than one year since then, the two countries have gained strong momentum in building a community with a shared future and made solid progress in synergising development strategies, thus setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries.

The Chinese leader stressed that facing the turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil, as important members of the Global South, are constructive forces for upholding world peace and stability and reforming and improving global governance. China and Brazil should firmly stand on the right side of history, better champion the common interests of both their countries along with the Global South, and jointly uphold the central position of the United Nations and international fairness and justice. China will always be a good friend and good partner of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and continue promoting a China-LAC community with a shared future.

President Lula said that Brazil will work with China to promote greater development of bilateral and LAC-China relations. Brazil and China are important forces in upholding multilateralism and free trade. Given the worrying international situation, Brazil is willing to collaborate closely with China to defend the authority of the United Nations, strengthen BRICS cooperation, and safeguard regional and world peace and stability.

On one level, this call may be understood as part of the normal, close and friendly relationship between the two countries. However, with the ever more aggressive behaviour of US imperialism in the western hemisphere, presently dubbed the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ by some, which saw 2026 begin with the flagrant kidnapping of the Venezuelan President and First Lady, growing threats to numerous other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, and undisguised attempts to undermine and destroy the mutually beneficial and friendly relations between China and countries in the region, the call doubtless acquires additional significance and urgency.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On the morning of January 23, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the phone.

President Xi noted that in 2024, President Lula and I jointly announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. For more than one year since then, the two countries have gained strong momentum in building a community with a shared future and made solid progress in synergizing development strategies, thus setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries. This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. China will pursue high-quality development through high-standard opening up and provide more opportunities for cooperation with Brazil. China is ready to work with Brazil to comprehensively advance mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, and promote greater development and usher in a brighter future of China-Brazil relations.

China delivers emergency rice aid to Cuba

A Chinese emergency aid program has delivered its first shipment of rice to Cuba, which is facing shortages as a result of the tightening US blockade on the island.

Under the new program, China will send 30,000 tons of rice. The first shipment was handed over on Monday 19 January.

At the handover ceremony – attended by Vice Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, Minister of Domestic Trade Betsy Díaz Velázquez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Déborah Rivas Saavedra and Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Hua Xin, among others – Ambassador Hua stated that “each grain of rice represents the unbreakable commitment of the Chinese people” to the island.

He continued:

We’re convinced that, with the joint effort of Cuba and China, no blockade will be able to turn off the light of hope, no difficulty will be able to block the path of progress.

Hua Xin added that China’s solidarity with Cuba “not only embodies the deep bonds of special friendship between both nations, but also demonstrates the unwavering commitment to remain united even in difficult times”.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez commented on X that the aid “is a sign of the close brotherhood and historical ties of friendship and solidarity that unite both nations”.

Daniel Lambert, manager of the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, made an apposite comment on social media: “Due to crippling sanctions the USA has illegally placed on Cuba for 64 years its population struggles to now survive. Yesterday China sent 30,000 tons of rice to assist the Cuban people. As the US starves its neighbour a nation across the world tries to assist.”

We publish below reports from Xinhua Spanish and Prensa Latina. The Xinhua report has been translated by us.

China delivers first batch of emergency food aid to Cuba

HAVANA, Jan 19 (Xinhua) — On Monday, Cuba officially received the first batch of a donation of 30,000 tons of rice from China, sent as emergency aid to support efforts aimed at guaranteeing the food supply of the population of the Caribbean island.

At the handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Domestic Trade in Havana, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Óscar Pérez-Oliva, thanked China for the donation, describing it as “a concrete expression of China’s exemplary, unconditional and selfless cooperation with Cuba”.

Nicaragua inaugurates major Chinese-invested projects

Nicaragua has recently inaugurated two major industrial projects, built with investment and support from China, that will make a substantial contribution to the country’s industrial development and modernisation.

On December 23, 2025, Presidential Adviser Laureano Ortega Murillo inaugurated the American Recycling Steel and Materials Processing Plant alongside Nicaraguan and Chinese officials. This steel plant is considered the most sophisticated and largest in all of Central America. US$ 60 million were invested in its construction and it will directly create 500 jobs.

Ortega said that, with the commissioning of this plant, Nicaragua and the Central American region will have steel products for construction, made under the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

“Within the framework of our brotherhood, in that brotherhood cemented between the Communist Party of China and the Sandinista National Liberation Front, we take on the task of continuing to promote and facilitate the investments of our Chinese brothers in Nicaragua and from Nicaragua, to promote and project this relationship for all of Central America and also framed in compliance with adherence to all the initiatives that President Xi Jinping has proposed: Belt and Road, Global Development, Global Security, Global Governance Initiative and all cooperation programs with Latin America; here we are working with our brothers in the People’s Republic of China for the development of Nicaragua and mutual benefit,” he said.

Then, on January 14 2026, a further plant that will manufacture PVC-based materials, galvanised steel sheets and related products which will be used for construction in the country as well as for export, was also opened by Laureano Ortega Murillo.

Suyen Ang, General Manager of L&L Contemporary Exteriors said: “We are here to contribute to the development of Nicaragua and the generation of employment and strengthening the national industry. Nicaragua is an attractive country for investment and is favourable for doing business.”

The following articles were originally published by La Gente – Radio La Primerísima.

Largest steel plant inaugurated in Central America

December 23 (Radio La Primerísima) – A steel plant, considered the most sophisticated and largest in all of Central America, was inaugurated on Tuesday morning by officials of the Sandinista Government and the People’s Republic of China.

The American Recycling Materials Recycling and Processing Steel Plant is located on the Masaya–Tipitapa highway, kilometer 29, in the Guanacastillo region.

60 million dollars were invested in the construction of the plant.

During the opening ceremony, Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential advisor for the Promotion of Investment, Trade and Cooperation, explained that the project is located on a 150 thousand square meter plot of land, of which 70 thousand square meters correspond to the recycling plant.

Venezuela and China reaffirm mutual solidarity

Venezuela and China have taken several opportunities to reaffirm their continued mutual support and solidarity following the brigandish US aggression which saw the kidnap of President Maduro and his wife, the murder of numerous Venezuelans and Cuban internationalists, and repeated hegemonic acts and utterances by the US, seeking, among other things, to estrange Venezuela from its closest friends, including China, Cuba and Russia.

On January 9, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez reported that she had met the previous day with Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu and expressed gratitude to China for condemning the US aggression against Venezuela and the seizure of the country’s legitimate President and First Lady. She noted that Caracas values China’s firm position in strongly denouncing the grave violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

For her part, responding to Rodriguez’s comments on social media, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that China attaches importance to its relations with Venezuela and maintains sound communication and cooperation with the Venezuelan government.

Also on January 8, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil once again expressed his gratitude to China for its support for Venezuela in social media posts. Posting on X, he said that: “We thank China for its firm position in rejecting the violation of international law and of Venezuela’s sovereignty. The Venezuelan people reaffirm their commitment to political, territorial sovereignty and over their natural resources.”

He also posted a video of Mao Ning responding to questions on Venezuela and stated on Telegram that: “Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to deepening trade and economic agreements with the People’s Republic of China.”

In a previous posting on X, Gil stated that: “We particularly value its [China’s] warning that no country can place its norms and foreign policies above the international provisions that govern and protect all our peoples. Likewise, we extend our gratitude for China’s willingness to collaborate with the Latin American and Caribbean region in preserving the status of peace zone.”

The following article was originally published by Global Times.

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday expressed gratitude to China for condemning the US aggression against Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to a post Rodriguez published on Instagram.

Community or Command: China, the American Pole, and the battle for Latin America

The following article from Weaponized Information, published in late December 2025, frames the current period as a pivotal moment for Latin America and the Caribbean, with competing visions of how the region fits into broader geopolitical shifts.

“Within weeks of each other, two texts appeared that quietly announced Latin America and the Caribbean as a decisive front in the struggle over the next world order. China released its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the present as a moment of ‘changes unseen in a century’, with the Global South rising in influence while unilateral coercion destabilises peace and development. At nearly the same time, the Trump administration issued its National Security Strategy, declaring that American power had been ‘restored’, borders militarised, tariffs weaponised, and the Western Hemisphere re-centred as a strategic priority under an unapologetic America First doctrine. These are not parallel statements. They are opposing blueprints.”

China’s policy paper presents the region as an active political subject and an essential force within the rising Global South. It emphasises integration through trade, infrastructure, industrial cooperation, technology transfer, cultural exchange, regional institution-building, local-currency settlement, and engagement via multilateral bodies such as CELAC. In China’s vision, sovereignty is strengthened through diversified partnerships that reduce exposure to US financial vetoes, sanctions and conditional lending.

The Trump administration’s NSS, by contrast, is framed in terms of the restoration and enforcement of US hegemony. It asserts that US power has been “restored” under an unapologetic America First doctrine, militarising borders, weaponising tariffs and engaging in direct military aggression. Such a strategy does not treat Latin America and the Caribbean as a collective political subject at all, but as a managed perimeter and strategic rear base, echoing the Monroe Doctrine without any liberal euphemism. Infrastructure, ports, supply chains, payment systems and information spaces are reclassified as assets to be locked down or insulated from “non-hemispheric competitors”. Security becomes the alibi for expanded coercive reach.

The article highlights that in the lived history of the Americas, “security” has often meant security for capital and compliant oligarchies, enforced through coups, lawfare and counterinsurgency against popular movements.

When China speaks of development without political conditions, it challenges the architecture that has historically converted economic dependency into political obedience. The US response to China’s role is to attempt to narrow options for countries of the region, via the threat of tariffs, sanctions, statecraft, destabilisation, lawfare and – as we are currently witnessing in Venezuela – direct military aggression and the blatant violation of the most basic principles of international law.

The author concludes that the difference between the US and Chinese approach is not about democracy versus authoritarianism, but community versus command. Multipolar integration introduces something disruptive the region has long been denied: the normalisation of choice. The intensity of the US’s reaction signals a historic shift – autonomy is no longer unthinkable. The hemisphere now faces a clear struggle over whether it remains frozen in managed dependency or expands sovereignty through cooperation and plural development paths.

The Hemisphere at the Breaking Point

There are moments when states stop improvising and start publishing doctrine. Not press statements, not campaign slogans, but documents meant to harden intentions into policy and turn instinct into structure. Late 2025 was one of those moments. Within weeks of each other, two texts appeared that quietly announced Latin America and the Caribbean as a decisive front in the struggle over the next world order. China released its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the present as a moment of “changes unseen in a century,” with the Global South rising in influence while unilateral coercion destabilizes peace and development. At nearly the same time, the Trump administration issued its National Security Strategy, declaring that American power had been “restored,” borders militarized, tariffs weaponized, and the Western Hemisphere re-centered as a strategic priority under an unapologetic America First doctrine. These are not parallel statements. They are opposing blueprints.

China at UN: Venezuela has every right to defend its sovereignty and national dignity

China has again declared its solidarity with Venezuela and its strong condemnation of the United States’ flagrant and brigandish acts of aggression, including the illegal kidnapping of the country’s President and First Lady.

Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on January 5, requested by Colombia and supported by China, Russia and other countries, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Sun Lei said that:

“On January 3, the United States blatantly launched large-scale military strikes against Venezuela, forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and took them out of the country. It claimed that it would ‘run’ Venezuela and even did not rule out launching a second round of military operations on an even larger scale. China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts by the United States.”

Noting that the council had already previously convened two emergency meetings in connection with the US sanctions, blockade, and threats of force against Venezuela, he said that, “the US has disregarded the grave concerns of the international community, wantonly trampled upon Venezuela’s sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, and seriously violated the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations. These principles constitute the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter and form the cornerstone of maintaining international peace and security. The US has placed its own power above multilateralism and military actions above diplomatic efforts, posing a grave threat to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean and even internationally. China firmly opposes this, and the international community has also expressed widespread grave concerns and strong condemnation.”

China strongly condemns US aggression against Venezuela, kidnapping of President Maduro

China has immediately responded to the latest US aggression against Venezuela and its brigandish and gangster-like kidnapping, in blatant violation of international law, of the country’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro.

On Saturday January 3, in a statement issued prior to confirmation of President Maduro’s arrival in New York, a foreign ministry spokesperson said that China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the US’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president, adding:

“Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region.”

The next day, in a further statement, the Foreign Ministry said that China called on the United States to immediaetely release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

“China calls on the United States to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.”

Also, on Sunday January 4, the issue was directly addressed by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

When holding the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing, Wang Yi said that China always opposes the use or threat of force, as well as any imposition of one country’s will on another.

“We never believe that any country can play the role of world policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge,” Wang said, adding that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected by international law.

China is willing to work with the international community, including Pakistan, to firmly uphold the United Nations Charter, maintain the bottom line of international morality, adhere to the equality of all countries’ sovereignty, and jointly safeguard world peace and development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

On China-Pakistan relations, Wang said China hopes this visit will kick off the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to unite the Global South to safeguard common interests, uphold the UN Charter, and oppose bullying acts that violate the sovereignty of other countries.

On January 3, the Xinhua News Agency issued a commentary entitled, ‘Venezuela strike shows who is really undermining the International law’. It said:

“The US military incursion into Venezuela and the action against its President, Nicolás Maduro, as announced by the US administration, once again lays bare Washington’s reliance on unilateral force to shape outcomes beyond its borders. This aggression also hollows out decades of US rhetoric positioning America as the guardian of international rules.

“Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, a foundational principle of international law, explicitly prohibits the use or threat of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Therefore, the action against a sovereign nation’s leader has shown the world, unequivocally, who stands as the true transgressor of international law.

“History offers ample precedent. From Iraq and Libya to Panama and Grenada, the United States has repeatedly used or threatened force under dubious justifications… Venezuela, long subjected to sanctions and political pressure, now joins that list, with diplomacy once again sidelined in favor of military coercion.”

China backs Venezuela, condemns US at UN Security Council

China has condemned the US threats to and aggression against Venezuela and reaffirmed its support for the government of President Maduro.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council Briefing held on December 23, 2025, Ambassador Sun Lei began by stating that China appreciates Slovenia’s presidency for convening the emergency meeting requested by Venezuela and supported by Russia, China, and other countries.

He stated that: “For some time now, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, the United States has continued to increase its military deployment in the waters of the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. It has escalated sanctions, blockades, and military threats against Venezuela and claimed to have sunk Venezuelan vessels, shot dead crew members, and seized oil tankers. It has designated the Venezuelan Government as a foreign terrorist organisation, claimed that Venezuela’s territory, oil, and assets belong to the United States, and even threatened military strikes against the Venezuelan territory.

“The US actions seriously infringe upon other countries’ sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, seriously violate the UN Charter and international law, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

The Chinese representative went on to note that: “As an independent sovereign state, Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and defend its legitimate rights and interest, which should be respected and supported by the international community. China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. We stand against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries’ sovereignty and security, against the threat or use of force in international relations, against external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext, and against illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorisation by the Security Council.”

The following is the full text of Ambassador Sun Lei’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President,

China appreciates Slovenia’s presidency for convening this emergency meeting requested by Venezuela and supported by Russia, China, and other countries. We thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing.

For some time now, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, the United States has continued to increase its military deployment in the waters of the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. It has escalated sanctions, blockades, and military threats against Venezuela and claimed to have sunk Venezuelan vessels, shot dead crew members, and seized oil tankers. It has designated the Venezuelan Government as a foreign terrorist organization, claimed that Venezuela’s territory, oil, and assets belong to the United States, and even threatened military strikes against the Venezuelan territory. The US actions and rhetoric have led to continued tensions in the region, raising serious concerns among regional countries and the international community.

The UN Charter establishes the fundamental principles of governing international relations, including sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful settlement of disputes. They constitute the cornerstone of international rule of law and are crucial for maintaining world peace and security. The US actions seriously infringe upon other countries’ sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, seriously violate the UN Charter and international law, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. More and more countries in the region and beyond have voiced their grave concern about and strong condemnation of the US actions. We note that Secretary-General Guterres has clearly stated the need for all countries to respect international law and the UN Charter, exercise restraint, and deescalate tensions to preserve regional stability, and his readiness for good offices to this end.

China attaches importance to President Maduro’s recent open letter. As an independent sovereign state, Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and defend its legitimate rights and interest, which should be respected and supported by the international community. China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying, and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. We stand against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries’ sovereignty and security, against the threat or use of force in international relations, against external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext, and against illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization by the Security Council. We call the United States to heed the just call of the international community, immediately halt relevant actions, and avoid further escalation of tensions. We urge the United States to uphold the navigation safety of regional countries and the freedom and rights they enjoy under international law, to conduct normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation under bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks, to lift illicit unilateral sanctions, and to do more to promote peace, stability, and development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

President,

Latin America and the Caribbean constitute an important part of the Global South and are a vital force in maintaining world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity. China recently released its third policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, reaffirming its support for the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the Declaration of the Member States of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. This fully demonstrates the high importance attached to and the support by China for the region. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, uphold fairness and justice, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thank you, President.

Nicolás Maduro commemorates the birth of Mao Zedong

On Friday 26 December, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro marked the birth anniversary of Chairman Mao with a message on his official Telegram channel.

Attached to the message is a video in which President Maduro elaborates on the historic importance of the Chinese Revolution and China’s role in the world. The video transcript (translated to English by us) reads as follows:

Our tribute to the Great Helmsman Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China, who, through his example, his ideas, and the revolutionary struggle he led, undoubtedly shaped the 20th century worldwide and marked the future of China. The 21st century is the century in which the destiny of humanity, as President Xi Jinping says, must be characterised by the common destiny of humanity.

Only the great republic founded by the great Mao Zedong, the great Helmsman, was able to bring China and the entire Chinese people together, enabling them to establish a political model that has allowed for the development and expansion of productive forces, and has managed to transform China in just 50 or 60 years from a semi-feudal country to a country with the highest level of scientific, technological, cultural, economic, financial and commercial development in the world.

A powerful culture and a powerful revolution, the revolution of the Great Helmsman, who founded the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949.

One must study the epic journey of the Chinese people and how the Great Helmsman, Mao Zedong, together with the Communist Party of China and the People’s Liberation Army, managed to forge the greatest national alliance in Chinese history.

We share the same values, the historic values of the great Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping, Simón Bolívar and Hugo Chávez. So we are united in soul, spirit and values.

Below you will find the text of the Telegram message (translated to English by us) and the associated video.

We celebrate the birthday of Mao Zedong, one of the giants of the 20th century. His genius in strategy and the formation of a revolutionary army of workers and peasants demonstrated that peoples can defeat empires. His legacy taught us that: “Weapons are an important factor in war, but not the decisive one; the decisive factor is man and not things”. This strategic vision was the cornerstone for the victory and liberation of the Chinese people.

Thanks to leaderships like that of Mao, China has regained its power, transforming itself into a superpower of knowledge, education and technology, and restoring dignity to a nation. Mao’s figure represents rebellion and the construction of a sovereign project, elements that inspire our homeland in the defence of its own sovereignty and independence.

China backs Venezuela’s call for emergency session of UN Security Council

On the same day as US President Donald Trump declared a “total and complete” blockade of Venezuela and brazenly threatened to seize the country’s land and oil (Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil at the latter’s request.

Gil stressed that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence, resolutely defend their legitimate rights and interests, and will not accept threats from any bullying power.

Wang said that that mutual trust and support are a longstanding tradition of China-Venezuela relations. China opposes all forms of unilateral bullying and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity.

The following day, December 18, at the regular Foreign Ministry press conference in Beijing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed China’s support for Venezuela’s call for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation. In response to questions from the Japanese broadcaster NHK and the Reuters news agency, he stated:

“China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying and supports countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. We believe the international community can understand and support Venezuela’s stance of protecting its own legitimate rights and interests. China supports Venezuela’s request for holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council.”

The following article was originally published by Global Times.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, at the latter’s request, according to a readout published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gil briefed Wang on the current domestic situation in Venezuela, stressing that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence, resolutely defend their legitimate rights and interests, and will not accept threats from any bullying power.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and that mutual trust and support are a longstanding tradition of China-Venezuela relations. China opposes all forms of unilateral bullying and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity.

Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and it is believed that the international community understands and supports Venezuela’s position in defending its own legitimate rights and interests, said Wang.

Chinese medical internationalism in Nicaragua

The Chinese naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark visited Nicaragua’s Corinto Port from November 10-14 to provide medical care to the local population.

In the vessel’s first visit to the western hemisphere, a crew of more than 400 doctors, nurses and auxiliary personnel treated patients free of charge and shared experiences with Nicaraguan medical professionals.

During that time, Chinese doctors worked together with Nicaraguan specialists to see 1,125 patients from the Chinandega area. They treated patients needing specialised medical support – from pediatrics to gynecology, obstetrics to internal medicine, orthopedics to urology. They carried out examinations on patients’ eyes, ears, noses, throats, hearts, kidneys, gastrointestinal tracts, and tested for infectious diseases. The team also performed ultrasounds, surgeries, and treated patients using traditional Chinese medicine.

In addition, specialists from China and Nicaragua held a meeting to share experiences on topics such as robotic surgery, chronic kidney disease, congenital heart disease, maternal and fetal health, and breast cancer.

This ship is part of “Harmony Mission 2025,” a Chinese humanitarian initiative to provide free medical care and strengthen international ties. So far, it has previously visited Fiji and Tonga, providing 3,330 consultations and performing 426 surgeries in Fiji, and treating more than 5,000 people in Tonga.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies, the Chinese Ambassador to Nicaragua, Qu Yuhui, expressed hopes that this Peace Ship will serve as a vehicle for the seeds of friendship between the navies of both countries to take deep root and foster a spirit of peace and cooperation, which will be passed down from generation to generation in furthering relations between China and Nicaragua.

At the closing ceremony prior to the ship’s departure, Laureano Ortega Murillo, Presidential Advisor for the Promotion of Investment, Trade and International Cooperation, said:

“We have come on a visit, delegated by our Co-Presidents, Commander Daniel, Comrade Rosario, to bid farewell to this Hospital Ship of the People’s Republic of China, of the People’s Liberation Army, to bid farewell to this laudable work of solidarity carried out by the Chinese people and Government with the peoples of the world.

“We are extremely grateful and we will continue to advance in this relationship of brotherhood, cemented in the relationship between our parties, the Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Communist Party of China. So, on behalf of our people and our Government, our gratitude, our love, our affection to the people and Government of the People’s Republic of China. Long live China and long live Nicaragua!”

The following articles were originally published by Sovereign Media and El 19 Digital. The latter was published in Spanish and was machine translated.

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.