Policy paper on Latin America and Caribbean unveiled

陈小将

China released its third policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean on Wednesday, reiterating the great importance Beijing attaches to China-LAC ties and its deep commitment to pursuing common development with LAC countries.

At a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, Assistant Foreign Minister Cai Wei described the paper as "a road map and guidebook" for China-LAC relations in the new era that is aimed at building a China-LAC community with a shared future that benefits the people on both sides.

This was the first time in nine years that China has issued such a policy paper, following the release of the first and second policy papers in 2008 and 2016, respectively.

The document reviews the vibrant growth of China-LAC relations and sets out China's policy proposals for exchanges and cooperation across more than 40 areas.

While addressing the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in May, President Xi Jinping announced the launch of five programs, ranging from solidarity, development and civilization to peace and people-to-people connectivity, to advance shared development and revitalization.

"With the release of the third policy paper, the Chinese government is ready to follow through on President Xi's important guidance, work to advance the five programs, and add fresh momentum to China-LAC relations," Cai said.

Martin Charles, dean of the Latin American and Caribbean Diplomatic Corps in China and ambassador of Dominica to China, said the policy paper "is not an abstract declaration, but a practical guide for action".

He said that its implementation will have a direct impact on sectors ranging from infrastructure and trade to culture, energy, agriculture, health and sustainable development — areas that "respond to the opportunities that arise from the complementarity of our economies".

So far, 24 LAC countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative. Statistics show that China has become the region's second-largest trading partner and a major source of investment. Trade between the two sides topped $500 billion for the first time last year.

Charles added that the benefits of its implementation "respond directly to the specific needs of our region and demonstrate that cooperation with China is a driver of inclusive development".

He also noted that LAC countries increasingly view China as "a true friend and a reliable partner", adding that "in a world marked by geopolitical tensions, China's presence in Latin America and the Caribbean does not constitute a threat, but an opportunity to diversify partners, broaden horizons of cooperation, and strengthen the region's autonomy in making strategic decisions."

"We welcome this forward-looking strategic effort, which contributes to strengthening mutual confidence, expanding spaces for dialogue, and deepening bi-regional cooperation," said Francisco Gutierrez, director of Regional Coordination and Integration Mechanisms at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. Colombia is currently the rotating chair of CELAC.

He said CELAC values China's readiness to maintain a constructive relationship oriented toward mutual benefit and fully respectful of the sovereign equality of states.