Category: Latin America

China gave considerable publicity to the first anniversary of its establishment of diplomatic relations with the Central American nation of Honduras, which fell on March 26. The prominence given to this occasion reflects the strong growth in bilateral friendship in such a short time and the high degree of common understanding reached between socialist China and the progressive government of Honduras.

Marking the occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Honduran President Xiomara Castro exchanged congratulations.

Xi pointed out that the establishment of diplomatic ties had opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations. He noted that during Castro’s successful state visit to China last June, they held talks and reached important consensus, setting the direction for the development of bilateral relations. Over the past year, the two sides have upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, ensuring that bilateral relations started to grow from a high level, he added.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Honduras relations and is willing to work with Castro to take the first anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to consolidate mutual support, expand all-round cooperation, and jointly write a better future.

Castro said that China, with a multi-millennial civilisation and a major role to play in the historical process underway, is a role model for the world and an important partner of Honduras.

The past year saw China’s dedication to innovative development, its participation in efforts to find solutions to global problems and strenuous assistance with worldwide poverty reduction efforts, she added.

Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect, she said, expressing her wish that the two peoples will enjoy a long-lasting friendship.

Xi’s sentiments were echoed by spokesperson Lin Jian at the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference the same day.

Lin noted that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and conducted fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism and other fields.

China, he continued, attaches great importance to its relations with Honduras and will work with Honduras to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen bilateral cooperation.

In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency, Fredis Cerrato, Honduras’ minister of economic development, said that China is a strategic partner for Honduras with investments becoming concrete and bilateral negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) going well. The relationship is being consolidated in “giant steps” in different areas, and he believed that the FTA being negotiated, would allow more Honduran agricultural products to be exported to China and generate numerous jobs through investments from Chinese business.

Honduras attended the China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai in November last year, for the first time. Accorded the status of the Guest Country of Honour, its signature agricultural and marine products were well received by visitors.

Meanwhile, China’s textile supplier Texhong and consumer product manufacturer Sunda International Group have both announced investments in Honduras, which are estimated to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

These investments, together with Honduras’ agricultural exports to China, are expected to help the Central American country fulfil its economic and commercial development goals.

Such cooperation is going to lift the added values of agro products, generate jobs, raise foreign exchange income, and improve social welfare for the country, Cerrato said.

The minister believed that exchanges and cooperation would promote the transfer of technology and knowledge so that young people can receive training. “With China’s growth and progress, we have no doubt that it is a strategic and fundamental partner for the development of our country.”

In another report, rounding up people-to-people exchanges, Xinhua quoted Honduran artist, Hermes Estrada as saying that, in his eyes, Honduras and China are “friends and brothers.” He believes that there are striking resemblances between the Chinese civilisation and the Mayan civilisation of Honduras, not least in emphasising respect for nature and advocating harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

And on the night of March 26, Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan Province, staged an elaborate light show to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The iconic buildings along the Xiangjiang River in Changsha were illuminated in a spectacle that mirrored the colours of the Honduran flag.

The show was also held to celebrate the recent signature of a letter of intent to begin an official sister city relationship between Changsha and San Pedro Sula, Honduras’ largest commercial and economic hub known for its textiles, sugar, brewing, clothing and tobacco industries.

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

Following his visits to the four African countries of Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, maintaining a 34-year tradition that the first overseas visit of a new year by China’s foreign minister is to Africa, Wang Yi continued his travels with visits to Brazil and Jamaica.

On January 19, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Fortaleza, a provincial capital in the north-east of the country. 

Wang said that China has firmly supported Brazil in accelerating its economic and social development as well as in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

China is willing to take this year’s 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, and open up new prospects for China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides, he added, should further strengthen unity, mutual trust and strategic coordination, and demonstrate the responsibility of major developing countries in regional and international affairs. 

The two countries should actively explore and deepen the all-round cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and between China and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), and help Latin American and Caribbean countries to unite and strengthen themselves, so as to move toward modernisation together, and promote a just and reasonable international order.

For his part, Lula asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping, saying that he attaches great importance to their mutual trust and friendship, and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges between the two countries and lifting the Brazil-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height.

Brazil is optimistic about China’s development prospects and looks forward to learning from China’s experience in governance and enriching cooperation with China, Lula said, adding that Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest more in Brazil.

Noting that Brazil and China fully agree on many major issues, the Brazilian president said he looks forward to working with China to improve global governance and enhance the overall strength and the voice of developing countries in international affairs.

The same day, Wang Yi also met with Lula’s adviser Celso Amorim, who said that the Brazil-China comprehensive strategic partnership transcends the bilateral scope and has become an important balancing factor in the international arena, which is conducive to world peace and stability.

Wang noted that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, marked by increased uncertainty and instability. As independent emerging powers, China and Brazil should first manage their own affairs well, while strengthening unity and cooperation, and anchoring common goals to demonstrate their responsibilities as major countries, thereby becoming crucial stabilising forces in a multipolar system.

The previous day, Wang had met with his counterpart, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, who said that 2024 is of special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. President Lula’s historic visit to China last year had yielded fruitful results, he added. 

Brazil looks forward to taking the opportunity of hosting the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro to strengthen high-level exchanges between Brazil and China, inject strong impetus into bilateral relations, and lead Brazil-China friendly cooperation towards the next 50 years with broader prospects.

Wang said that during his successful visit to China last year, President Lula and President Xi had in-depth communication, established solid mutual trust, and laid out strategic plans and guidance for the development of China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Chinese side cherishes the friendship between China and Brazil, and is willing to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to prepare for further high-level exchanges, as well as celebrations for the 50^th anniversary, and to elevate the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, enabling it to display new vitality and open up new horizons.

China supports Brazil in hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit, supports Brazil in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to work with Brazil to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, security for all and common prosperity, so as to take good care of Earth — the only planet that hosts human life, Wang added.

The next day, the two foreign ministers co-chaired the fourth China-Brazil Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue.

Wang Yi said that China has always given priority to its relations with Brazil in its overall diplomacy and in its diplomacy with Latin America and supports Brazil in promoting national development and rejuvenation.

Vieira described bilateral cooperation as mutually beneficial, large-scale, high-quality, fast-growing, and wide-ranging, adding that it has provided vital support for the development of both countries and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Recognising the increasing global influence of the China-Brazil relationship, that has gone far beyond the bilateral scope, both sides expressed their willingness to strengthen strategic coordination within the frameworks of the United Nations, the Group of 20 (G20), BRICS, and the World Trade Organisation, enhance the voice and representation of developing countries, and safeguard the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

Wang and Vieira also gave a joint press conference. Outlining the consensus they had reached, Wang said it included deepening cooperation to benefit the people of the two countries. The China-Brazil cooperation ranges “from space to soybeans.” China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner, export market and source of trade surplus for 15 consecutive years. Brazil is also China’s largest trading partner in Latin America.

It is also important, he continued, to enhance people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the public support for the China-Brazil friendship. The two sides will push for more active exchanges in fields including culture, education, tourism, and sports, provide mutual visa facilitation, and accelerate the opening of the consulate general of Brazil in Chengdu.

The two countries will also strengthen communication and coordination so as to safeguard common interests of developing countries, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalisation, and build a China-Brazil community with a shared future and a China-Latin America community with a shared future. China fully supports Brazil in hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the BRICS Leaders Meeting, and the United Nations climate change conference.

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

We previously reported on the December 20, 2023, telephone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Nicaraguan counterpart Daniel Ortega, in which the two heads of state, marking the second anniversary of their resumption of diplomatic relations, announced their upgrading to the level of a strategic partnership.

A subsequent report from the Xinhua News Agency, noting that, with a sense of urgency, the two countries have been promoting a leap-forward in their relations, detailed how these developments have impacted on the life of the Nicaraguan people. 

Reporting that Nicaraguan Minister of Development, Industry and Trade Jesús Bermúdez is deeply impressed by China’s innovations, such as in e-payment, and is looking forward to cooperating with China in the digital economy, saying that bilateral cooperation will be particularly beneficial to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Nicaragua, the Xinhua report added:

“Nowadays, in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, hundreds of comfortable and eco-friendly Chinese buses are running around to serve the local people. With the assistance of Chinese enterprises, hundreds of affordable housing units and their ancillary facilities are being built in the city to improve living conditions.”

Reyna Rueda, Mayor of Managua, told Xinhua that she has seen, from the changes in the city’s appearance over the past two years, how the rapid development of Nicaragua-China practical cooperation has benefited the general public.

Earlier in 2023, Mayor of Masaya, Janina Noguera signed a letter of intent to establish a sister-city relationship with Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, and visited Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, and other Chinese cities to learn the how China’s cultural industry has boosted economic development. She hopes to bring China’s successful experience to Masaya as soon as possible for the benefit of the local people.

An increasing number of Nicaraguan students are coming to China to study, among whom is Natalia Caldera. She told Xinhua that in the past year studying at Beijing Foreign Studies University, she and her Chinese classmates have deepened their understanding of each other’s cultures and seen relations between China and Nicaragua growing ever closer.

Ignacio Martinez, an expert on international affairs at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that the upgrading of China-Nicaragua relations is another vivid example of the positive development of Latin America’s relations with China.

Multiple Latin American leaders, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, visited China in 2023, lifting their relations to new levels. During Honduran President Xiomara Castro’s visit to China in June, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation, only a few months after the establishment of their diplomatic ties in March.

Meanwhile, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Nicaragua entered into effect on January 1, 2024. The Cuban news agency Prensa Latina reported that Minister Jesús Bermúdez explained on local television that the FTA is of great economic importance and that Nicaragua’s export capacity to China can be increased fivefold to reach nearly a billion US dollars in about five years.

The following reports were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Prensa Latina.

We previously reported on the visit to China by Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena in early December 2023. Further information on this visit has now been made available on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Meeting his Mexican counterpart on December 5, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that President Xi Jinping and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador held an important meeting in San Francisco, providing important strategic guidance for the development of relations between the two countries and setting out a blueprint for bilateral cooperation.

Mexico is a major Latin American country and an important emerging market with global influence. China values Mexico’s international status, is optimistic about Mexico’s development prospects, and supports Mexico in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mexico, and relations between the two countries are at an important transitional stage. China stands ready to view and grow China-Mexico relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and to work with Mexico to jointly uphold mutual respect and treat each other as equals, so as to lift China-Mexico relations to a new level.

China and Mexico, both being major developing countries, need to strengthen multilateral coordination, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and join hands in response to global challenges. China hopes that the two sides will continue to work together to promote further development of China-Latin America relations.

Alicia Bárcena said that Mexico attaches great importance to growing relations with China and stands ready to work with China to follow through on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state in San Francisco, and to push for greater development of relations between the two countries. More Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Mexico. 

A series of important global initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping are in alignment with many concepts proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Mexico stands ready to strengthen dialogue and communication with China. Mexico attaches great importance to China’s international status and influence and is ready to work with China to strengthen coordination and cooperation within such multilateral mechanisms as the United Nations and the Group of 20, and to continue to actively advance the building of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.

Alicia Bárcena also thanked China for providing Mexico with strong support in response to its recent hurricane disaster and the supply of disaster relief materials. Wang Yi said that China and Mexico are friends and partners. When a friend is in need, China always lends a helping hand immediately. 

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

China and Nicaragua have marked the second anniversary of the resumption of their diplomatic relations by upgrading them to that of a strategic partnership. 

The move was announced following a December 20 telephone call between the two heads of state, in which Xi Jinping told Daniel Ortega that he is ready to promote bilateral ties for fresh achievements with the newly announced strategic partnership between the two countries as a new starting point.

In their phone conversation, which was given considerable prominence in the Chinese media, Xi said that the political decision made by Ortega and Nicaraguan Vice President Compañera Rosario Murillo two years ago to resume diplomatic ties with China has made a significant contribution to bilateral relations, which will be remembered by history.

Since the resumption of relations, the two sides, with a sense of urgency, have promoted a leap-forward development of China-Nicaragua relations, Xi said, adding that both countries firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and have comprehensively expanded and made positive progress in practical cooperation.

Xi added that he is willing to join the Nicaraguan leader in setting an example of solidarity, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results. And he emphasised that China highly appreciates Nicaragua’s adherence to the one-China principle and its public support for China’s safeguarding of its sovereignty and territorial integrity on many occasions, adding that China is ready to be a reliable friend of Nicaragua, will continue to firmly support Nicaragua in safeguarding its national independence and national dignity, and also backs Nicaragua in rejecting external interference.

The free trade agreement between China and Nicaragua, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024, is a landmark achievement of cooperation between the two countries, Xi said, noting that both sides should take this opportunity to continuously boost the volume and raise the level of their bilateral trade.

China also stands ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Nicaragua in international affairs, and work with Nicaragua to oppose hegemonism and power politics, promote the development of a more just and rational international order, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

For his part, Ortega said that China’s remarkable achievements in development under the excellent leadership of President Xi have not only lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty, but also made significant contributions to promoting world peace, and especially to sharing development achievements with people in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and improving their well-being, bringing hope, and injecting strength to the world.

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic ties between Nicaragua and China, Ortega said he is honoured to jointly announce with President Xi the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which will surely become an important milestone in the history of their relations.

Nicaragua highly values its friendly relations with its great brother China, firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China’s grand cause of reunification, and supports global cooperation initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi.

Ortega also conveyed to Xi the brotherly sympathies from the Nicaraguan people over the earthquake in Gansu province, which struck on December 18.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Relations between China and the Central American nation of Honduras have been developing well since the latter’s progressive, socialist-oriented government established diplomatic relations with Beijing on 26 March 2023. This was followed by a highly successful state visit by President Xiomara Castro, June 9-14.

In the latest development, Luis Redondo, the President of the National Congress of Honduras, visited China in early December. 

Redondo met with his counterpart, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on December 7. 

Zhao said that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Honduras was a major political decision of historic significance made by the two heads of state, and that it has opened a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

He expressed China’s willingness to work with Honduras to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote communication and cooperation in various fields, and push for the sustained and steady development of bilateral relations.

And he further noted that China highly appreciates Honduras’ firm adherence to the one-China principle and firmly supports Honduras’ efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and independence, promote its development and improve its people’s well-being.

China welcomes Honduras to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and is willing to accelerate the synergy of development strategies and promote new achievements in practical cooperation.

Redondo said the establishment of diplomatic ties between Honduras and China was of historic significance. Honduras adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and supports and actively participates in global initiatives such as the BRI, which are significant contributions that China has made to the progress of human civilisation.

Following their talks, the two leaders signed an agreement to promote cooperation between their respective congresses.

The same day, Redondo also met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. 

Han said that relations between China and Honduras have got off to a good start, showing broad prospects for development since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He also expressed China’s willingness to walk hand in hand with Honduras on the road towards modernisation, promote exchanges, mutual learning, solidarity and cooperation, and achieve mutual benefits and common development.

Redondo said that the establishment of diplomatic ties with China marks a historic decision by Honduras, which has a long-term perspective and is in line with the will of the people.

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a number of bilateral meetings with other national leaders during his recent visit to San Francisco to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit and to meet with US President Joe Biden.

On November 16, Xi met with his Mexican counterpart, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Popularly known as Amlo, Obrador is generally considered to be Mexico’s first left-wing president since Lázaro Cárdenas del Río, who nationalised the country’s oil industry and mineral resources in 1938. It was the first occasion for the two leaders to meet.

At the meeting, Xi Jinping said that the friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership. Mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns have become firmer, he added.

The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico’s independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance.

Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and highlights of cooperation in fields including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant. 

The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said.

Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, he said that China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era.

For his part, Obrador said both Mexico and China have splendid civilisations and the two peoples know each other well and treat each other like brothers.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer assistance, providing a large amount of precious anti-pandemic supplies to Mexico and helping the country tide over the difficulties, he said.

He added that after Mexico was hit by a recent severe hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, China immediately expressed sympathy and support, for which Mexico is grateful.

Both Mexico and China safeguard their own independence and firmly oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, he noted, adding that Mexico will, as always, adhere to its friendly policy towards China.

Obrador added that Mexico is willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs, and actively promote Latin America-China relations.

The following report was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Gustavo Petro, the first ever left-wing President of Colombia, paid a state visit to China, October 24-26, at the invitation of Xi Jinping.

The two leaders held talks on the afternoon of October 25 and announced the elevation of the China-Colombia relationship to a strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping noted that the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Colombia is the result of the longtime efforts of all sectors of the two countries, and also a natural manifestation of mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides. It should be cherished by both sides and continuously enriched and developed.

China is ready to work with Colombia to advance the strategic partnership to bring greater benefits to the two peoples and inject positive energy into world peace and development. He further stressed that China supports Colombia’s independent exploration of a development path suited to its national conditions, supports the peace process in the country, and hopes that Colombia can realize comprehensive, enduring, and sustainable peace at an early date.

China-Colombia relations are based on equality, mutual benefit and win-win results. Colombia is welcome to join the big family of the Belt and Road cooperation at an early date to achieve common development and prosperity. And China also welcomes Colombia to join the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership proposed by China and share the green development opportunities.

Xi Jinping congratulated Colombia on taking over the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2025. He pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with CELAC and is ready to continue to support the regional integration process in Latin America and the Caribbean, and work with CELAC to take the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum next year as an opportunity to promote the steady and long-term development of China-CELAC relations in the new era.

Gustavo Petro said he is glad to visit China again after many years. Today’s China and the world have undergone great changes, and the theory and practice of China’s revolution and development are deeply enlightening. Colombia attaches great importance to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) put forward by President Xi Jinping. With the establishment of the Colombia-China strategic partnership, Colombia is ready to synergise its geographical advantage and development strategies with the BRI, strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, clean energy and other fields, welcome Chinese companies’ investment in Colombia, and promote more balanced development of bilateral trade relations. This will help Colombia advance its domestic peace process and realise the peace, stability and employment growth that its people have longed for, and enhance regional and global connectivity.

The Colombian side is also ready to maintain communication with China on the Palestine-Israel situation, and work for an early solution to end the hostilities. Colombia supports the development of the CELAC-China Forum and is willing and ready to take its rotating presidency of CELAC in 2025 as an opportunity to actively promote the continuous development of CELAC-China relations.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents on industrial investment, trade, digital economy, green development, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, and inspection and quarantine, among others.

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

The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, paid his third state visit to China from 8 to 14 September at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. His last visit was in September 2018. With a special focus on economic cooperation, development and diversification, the visit was highly successful and saw the bilateral relationship upgraded to an all-weather strategic partnership, a category that China has so far only agreed with a handful of countries.

Meeting President Maduro in Beijing on September 13, Xi Jinping said that “the establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela meets the common expectations of the two peoples and conforms to the general trend of historical development.”

Xi spoke about China’s reform and opening up, especially the development of special economic zones, and noted that these are important instruments for China to catch up with the times in great strides and a crucial move in making China what it is today.

He added that China stands ready to work with Venezuela to firmly support each other in exploring a development path suited to their national conditions and to strengthen party and national governance exchanges. He said China supports Venezuela in setting up special economic zones and will share relevant experience to help its national development.

Maduro said Venezuela’s national development and Venezuela-China relations are at a significant stage. “The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership is of historic significance and will surely usher in a new era of bilateral relations.”

He added that Venezuela is willing to learn from China’s experience in building special economic zones and to deepen practical cooperation in agriculture, investment, education, and tourism.

The two heads of state agreed a detailed joint statement. It noted that China and Venezuela are good friends with mutual trust, good partners for common development and good comrades-in-arms in strategic cooperation. China firmly supports Venezuela in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, national dignity, socio-economic stability, and the right to self-determination under the guidance of the legacy of liberator Simón Bolívar.

The two sides agreed that at present, the changes in the world, the times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented way. China and Venezuela are both developing countries and share extensive common interests and similar positions in international affairs. The two sides spoke positively of the strategic cooperation between the two countries in international organisations and multilateral mechanisms and will continue to firmly support each other in international affairs.

The Venezuelan side reaffirms its interest in joining the BRICS countries, which, as a reliable energy supplier, with the world’s largest oil and fourth largest natural gas reserves, can make an important contribution to the mechanism’s energy agenda. China welcomes Venezuela’s positive willingness to join BRICS and supports Venezuela’s efforts to achieve this goal.

The statement notes that illegal imposition of unilateral sanctions seriously violates the basic principles of international law, such as the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs, and seriously damages the Venezuelan people’s rights to subsistence, development and peace. China firmly supports the Venezuelan people’s just struggle to defend national sovereignty and oppose external sanctions, opposes the imposition of illegal and compulsory unilateral sanctions and so-called “long-arm jurisdiction” by certain countries against Venezuela under any pretext, opposes any acts of political bullying, and opposes military intervention or the threat of force.

The two sides agreed that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be encouraged and supported. The Venezuelan side highly appreciates and firmly supports China’s relevant proposals. The two sides called on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Having noted the two countries’ previous cooperation in satellite launches, the Chinese side welcomed Venezuela to join the cooperation of the International Lunar Scientific Research Station, highly appreciated the signing of the framework agreement on cooperation in the field of space, and is willing to work together to jointly promote the progress of cooperation projects in the fields of communications and remote sensing satellites, lunar and deep space exploration, and promote the improvement of space capabilities and the national economic development of the two countries. Venezuela thus becomes the first Latin American country to whom China has extended such an invitation.

The Venezuelan side sincerely thanked China for its anti-epidemic support to Venezuela during the coronavirus epidemic. Chinese vaccines, medical supplies and Chinese medical teams have played a key role in Venezuela’s fight against the epidemic and made important contributions to saving the lives of millions of Venezuelans. The two sides agreed to promote health cooperation between the two countries by sharing experience and technology.

The two sides spoke highly of the important role of the China-Latin America Forum (CELAC) in promoting China-Latin America relations. They are willing to strengthen communication and coordination on China-CELAC Forum affairs and promote stable and far-reaching China-Latin America relations in the new era of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefiting the people. China highly appreciates the positive role played by Venezuela in Latin American and Caribbean affairs and in promoting the sustainable development of China-Latin America cooperation.

President Maduro sincerely thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for their warm and friendly reception during his visit and welcomed President Xi Jinping’s timely state visit to Venezuela.

Maduro had begun his visit on Friday September 8 in Shenzhen, the home of China’s reform and opening up, where a spectacular welcoming ceremony was arranged in the city’s Talents Park, with a light show featuring hundreds of drones, culminating in them spelling out, ‘May the Friendship between China and Venezuela be Eternal’ across the night sky.

President Maduro’s itinerary then took him to China’s financial capital Shanghai and to Shandong Province. Visiting China’s International Poverty Reduction Centre, the Venezuelan leader noted that despite the hardships imposed by the US’ economic war against his country, 77.1% of Venezuela’s budget is devoted to social investment, strengthening programs in food production and distribution, social housing, education, health and social security.

Further underlining the great importance that Venezuela attaches to its relations with China, Maduro’s visit was immediately preceded by, and overlapped with, one by his Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who arrived in China on September 5, primarily to attend the 17th Meeting of the Mixed Venezuela-China High Level Committee and to review and confirm bilateral agreements prior to the state visit.

On the day prior to Maduro’s arrival, she met with China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said that their two countries had forged an unbreakable, iron-clad friendship. On the day of Maduro’s arrival in Shenzhen, she met with her counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing.

The following reports originally appeared on the websites of the Xinhua News Agency, the People’s Daily and Telesur. The full text of the joint statement was machine translated from Chinese and lightly edited by us.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros began a week long state visit to China on September 8.

Prior to leaving his capital Caracas, the leader of the Bolivarian revolution gave an exclusive interview to China’s Xinhua News Agency. According to Maduro:

“Between China and Venezuela there is a model relationship, it is a model of what should be the relationship between a superpower like China, the great superpower of the 21st century, and an emerging, heroic, revolutionary and socialist country like Venezuela… China has inaugurated a new era of the emergence of non-colonialist, non-imperialist, non-hegemonic superpowers.”

Referring to President Xi Jinping’s concept of building a shared future for humanity, Maduro said: “I believe that the route that President Xi Jinping has proposed is uniting the peoples in all aspects of the economy, trade, culture and is laying the foundations to leave behind the old world of colonialism and imperialism.”

Noting that China provided vaccines to more than 160 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Venezuelan President continued:

“We have to thank China very much. At the time of the pandemic, if it had not been for China, with the blockade of US imperialism in Venezuela, neither medicines nor sanitary supplies would have arrived, nor the vaccines. Thanks to China, vaccines and medicines arrived, not only to Venezuela, but to more than 160 countries in the world.”

He also expressed Venezuela’s willingness to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, adding: “The BRICS countries are accelerating the de-dollarisation of the world and the emergence of a new international financial system and a new just economic order, for which humanity has been fighting for years, decades and centuries.”

The interview was originally published by Xinhua in Spanish. We reprint below an English-language translation published by Internationalist 360°.

China and Nicaragua signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in a virtual ceremony held on August 31st. Nicaragua was represented by Laureano Ortega Murillo, Presidential Advisor for the Promotion of Investments, Trade and International Cooperation, and China by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Laureano Ortega said that it was a historic day, adding that:

“The signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Nicaragua and China will mark a before and after for the Nicaraguan people. It opens the doors to a huge market and will allow us to link up with the companies and businessmen of this sister country.”

“We are convinced that this will generate economic and social benefits for Nicaraguan families, new investments, the creation of more jobs, and the transfer of technologies from China to Nicaragua. It will also provide the opportunity for a greater presence of China in Nicaragua and we reiterate that Nicaragua must be considered by China as a commercial platform for the entire Central American region”.

He pointed out that the relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and on recognising each other as allies and strategic partners, and this is the only way to explain why they have managed to complete the FTA negotiations in just one year.

This is a significant point as FTA negotiations are generally regarded as one of the most intricate areas of diplomacy and can often take years to negotiate.

Minister Wang Wentao said that the signing of the FTA is the result of the diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, which are under the personal attention and leadership of the two presidents, and the mutual trust of the two countries that has been growing through substantial cooperation and has advanced at high speed and at a high level, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Laureano, at the end of the signing expressed that:

“We reiterate our deep gratitude to the brother government and people of the People’s Republic of China for the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. We promise to carry out the corresponding actions for its entry into force in January 2024. Today in Nicaragua a sun illuminates us and shines brighter in the light of the signing of this agreement that fills us with hope and optimism. We feel strengthened and we are certain that from now on we will see the fruits of this work with the greatest presence of Chinese brothers in our country that will promote economic and social development on the path to prosperity.”

In its report, China Daily noted comments from Dong Jingsheng, deputy director of Peking University’s Latin America Research Centre, who observed that China and Nicaragua are at different phases of development with high economic complementarity in industrial structures and diversity in resources.

He added that the signing of the FTA will foster a more favourable climate for expanding trade and investment partnerships and give both nations’ long-term growth a boost.

China will offer a sizable market for Nicaragua’s high-quality agricultural and aquatic products, and Nicaragua could import goods such as computers, motorcycles and communication equipment, Dong said.

Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises, with their comparative advantages in capital, technology, and managerial experience, could scale up investment and cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, and telecommunications, to increase local employment opportunities, improve public welfare and drive sustainable growth, he added.

The same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin described the FTA as the most important achievement in the bilateral practical cooperation since the resumption of diplomatic relations.

“Since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations, we have witnessed leapfrog development in bilateral relations, deepening political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation. The dividends of resuming diplomatic relations continue to be felt. These have fully proved that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua is in line with the trend of history and the times and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples”.

The following articles were originally carried by Kawsachun News, China Daily and Xinhua News Agency.