‘We’ll work with Latin American and Caribbean countries to firmly safeguard the international system,’ he said.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Latin American countries in their rejection of foreign interference in domestic affairs.

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This show of support for national sovereignty came during the opening address of the 4th China-CELAC Ministerial Forum, held with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

“China supports the countries of the region in safeguarding their national sovereignty and independence,” Xi said, urging CELAC nations to “pursue a development path suited to their national conditions.”

In addition to the foreign ministers of CELAC countries, the forum includes the participation of presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Gabriel Boric of Chile, and Gustavo Petro of Colombia, who currently holds CELAC’s rotating presidency.

Xi emphasized that China and Latin American countries are “important members of the Global South” and must remain united amid rising geopolitical tensions, bloc confrontations and increasing tendencies toward unilateralism and protectionism.

“We will work with Latin American and Caribbean countries to firmly safeguard the international system and speak with one voice on international and regional affairs,” he said.

“Development and revitalization are our inherent rights, and fairness and justice are our shared aspirations,” Xi added, in the face of “geopolitical turmoil and confrontation.” He highlighted joint efforts “to practice true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, and promote the reform of the global governance system to advance multipolarity.”

The Chinese leader noted that trade between China and Latin America surpassed US$500 billion for the first time in 2024 and said his country is committed to continued mutual support with CELAC nations on issues concerning their “core interests and major concerns.”

Xi also announced that China would extend a US$9.2 billion line of credit to the region and enhance cooperation on security and law enforcement.

“We must deepen exchanges across various sectors and strengthen communication and coordination on significant international and regional issues,” Xi said. He added that Beijing will invite 300 political party leaders from CELAC countries to visit China to “exchange experiences on governance.”

The 4th China-CELAC forum will address issues including electrical interconnection, renewable energy, trade integration, projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and access to natural resources such as lithium, rare earth elements, oil, and copper.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – teleSUR – CELAC

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