Xi Jinping’s Speech at the China-CELAC 2025 Summit: A Call for a New Era of China-Latin America Cooperation

Xi Jinping’s speech, full of historical references, concrete proposals and a rhetoric of unity, marks a new chapter in the relationship between China and Latin American countries.

From the outset, Xi adopted a warm and evocative tone, highlighting both the “long-standing” friendship between China and Latin America and the progress made since the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum (CCF) a decade ago. “Thanks to the painstaking efforts of China and LAC, the FCC has grown from a tender sapling to an upright tree,” he said, appealing to the image of joint growth and fruitful cooperation.

Recalling the earliest contacts between the two regions since the 16th century, Xi claimed a narrative of global south-south brotherhood and historical continuity. This vision was reinforced with concrete examples of mutual support, such as China’s support to the Panamanian people in their struggle for the Canal, to countries with maritime claims in the 1970s, and its uninterrupted vote in the UN against the embargo on Cuba.

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One of the most relevant points of the speech was the emphasis on respect for national sovereignty. Xi firmly expressed the rejection of external interference and highlighted the adherence of Latin American countries to the “one China” principle. He also reaffirmed the right of countries to choose their own development path without external impositions.

This foreign policy approach reflects China’s commitment to a multipolar order and the democratization of international relations, as opposed to the unilateralism and protectionism promoted by the United States.

Five major programs for a new phase of cooperation

In a strategic move that seeks to further institutionalize the relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, Xi Jinping presented five major cooperation programs with short and medium-term objectives:

1. Solidarity Program

China will strengthen political and diplomatic exchange with CELAC countries, inviting 300 political party cadres annually to foster dialogue on governance. It also intends to encourage a common stance on multilateral challenges, strengthening support for the international system centered on the UN and international law.

2. Development Agenda

Xi reaffirmed commitment to the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road, highlighting the need to consolidate supply chains, promote joint infrastructure, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and clean energy. To this end, he announced a credit line of 66 billion yuan (over US$9 billion) to support projects in LAC.

3. Civilizations Program

Through the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi proposed to strengthen cultural and heritage exchanges. China will organize events such as the Latin American and Caribbean Art Season and support archaeological excavations, monument restoration and joint studies on ancient civilizations.

4. Peace Program

China supported the Proclamation of Latin America as a Zone of Peace and proposed cooperation in disaster management, cybersecurity and the fight against transnational crime. In addition, it will offer technical assistance and security training to countries that require it.

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5. People’s Program

The Chinese president also announced the offer of 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 technical training slots, and more than 1,000 cultural exchange opportunities. China will also eliminate visas for five Latin American countries, with the intention of expanding this benefit.

A call for a community of shared destiny

In closing his speech, Xi reiterated the concept of a “community of shared future”, where China presents itself as an equal partner, supportive and committed to Latin American development. With phrases such as “he who has a friend, has a treasure”, the Chinese leader appealed to fraternity, mutual respect and cultural understanding as pillars of a new stage in China-LAC relations.

Xi Jinping’s speech at the China-CELAC 2025 Summit reaffirms China’s geopolitical ambition in Latin America through concrete proposals covering infrastructure, culture, technological development and multilateral cooperation. As the five major programs announced materialize, the region will have to strike a balance between taking advantage of the opportunities offered by this alliance and preserving its sovereignty and development model.