In Focus
China-Caribbean-Latin America’s 10^th CELAC Forum

On 13 May, CGTN reported that China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with foreign ministers Caribbean nations at the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) ministerial meeting in Beijing. The delegation included ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Wang highlighted the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum, noting significant progress in China-Caribbean relations, including enhanced political trust, cooperation in various sectors, and active cultural exchanges. He emphasized China's commitment to supporting Caribbean countries in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening multilateral cooperation. Caribbean ministers expressed appreciation for China's ongoing support, particularly in infrastructure, and reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle. They also expressed hope for deeper South-South cooperation through the forum. He said: “China will provide more government scholarships and training opportunities to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.”

On 13 May, Reuters reported that China’s President Xi Jinping pledged nearly USD 10 billion to Latin America in new credit lines, denominated in yuan, aimed at supporting development and enhancing regional engagement. This move aims to boost the global use of the Chinese currency while deepening strategic ties in trade and investment. Xi also revealed plans for visa-free travel for five Latin American and Caribbean states. In 2024, trade between China and Latin American countries reached a record high of USD 515 billion, highlighting the growing relationship. However, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cautioned against overdependence on any major power, stressing the need for regional autonomy amid global tensions. The forum also focused on cooperation in sectors like clean energy, AI, 5G, and cybersecurity, reflecting China's broader Belt and Road ambitions. (Liz Lee, Joe Cash and Eduardo Baptista, “China commits $10 billion in fresh credit to Latin America,” Reuters, 13 May 2025)
 
On 13 May, SCMP reported that China’s President Xi Jinping urged over 30 Latin American and Caribbean nations to unite against rising unilateralism and trade protectionism, warning that tariff wars bring no winners. Stressing shared goals of development, equity, and global stability, he announced five cooperation programmes over the next three years, including deeper engagement through the Belt and Road Initiative, cultural and diplomatic exchanges, and joint action on global governance. Bilateral trade between China and the region has surged to over USD 500 billion, which is 40 times higher than in 2000, supported by more than 200 infrastructure projects that have created over a million jobs. Chile’s President Gabriel Boric welcomed the new programmes and praised the Belt and Road Initiative’s contributions to regional development. Leaders from Brazil, Colombia, and Chile echoed support for multilateralism. Colombia joined the Belt and Road plan, signaling deeper engagement despite its US ties, while Chile emphasized the importance of trade sovereignty and strategic independence. Chinese officials contrasted their cooperation-driven approach with what they described as the politicization and weaponization of trade by major powers, urging CELAC countries to stand with China in defending fairness, globalization, and the multilateral trading system. 

References:
“Wang Yi meets foreign guests from Caribbean countries,” CGTN, 13 May, 2025
Liz Lee, Joe Cash, and Eduardo Baptista, “China commits $10 billion in fresh credit to Latin America,” Reuters, 13 May 2025
Dewey Sim and Kawala Xie, “China’s Xi Jinping urges countries to ‘stand united’ in face of global trade war,” SCMP, 13 May 2025