China-LAC cooperation highlighted

China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, as members of the Global South, have the fundamental right to development and prosperity and share a common aspiration for modernization, Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the U.S. and permanent observer to the Organization of American States, said on Wednesday.

Xie made the remarks at the Dialogue with Permanent Observers during the 55th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in Saint John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. He is leading a Chinese government delegation to the event, which began on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday.

Delivering a speech titled "Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future", Xie outlined China's vision for deepened cooperation with the Latin American and Caribbean countries. He said China-LAC cooperation is based on mutual respect, openness, and a commitment to fairness and justice, reinforcing China's role as a steadfast partner for the region.

Xie highlighted the deep ties between China and LAC countries, noting that despite geographical distances, both share a commitment to development and modernization.

"Over the years, we have shared weal and woe and jointly built a shared future," he said.

He cited President Xi Jinping's six visits to the LAC region over the past decade and the recent fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, where Xi announced five key programs: Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity. These initiatives, Xie explained, "have charted the course for the long-term development of China-LAC relations" and aim to build a more substantive China-LAC community.

Xie underscored the region's potential, stating that China and LAC countries together account for one-fifth of the world's land area and one-fourth of its population and economy. "We are the countries with the greatest growth potential and vitality," he said, calling for joint efforts to "open a new chapter in modernization" and create a brighter future for their shared community.

In addressing global challenges, Xie stressed the importance of equality and inclusiveness. "All countries, regardless of their size, strength, and wealth, are equal as important members of the international community," he said. He said that China-LAC cooperation is free of geopolitical calculations or political strings, does not seek spheres of influence, and avoids pressuring countries to pick sides. "It does not target any third party, and should be free from disruption by any third party," Xie added.

China firmly supports LAC countries' efforts to safeguard sovereignty and opposes external interference, he said, expressing hope that LAC nations will continue to uphold the one-China principle. Xie highlighted the shared commitment to fairness and justice, particularly as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations' founding. "We need to practice true multilateralism, and choose openness over isolation, inclusiveness over exclusion, and solidarity over division," he said, calling for a multipolar world and inclusive globalization.

Xie detailed the robust economic ties between China and the LAC region, with bilateral trade exceeding $500 billion last year and Chinese investment in the region surpassing $600 billion. Over 20 LAC countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering a market covering 2 billion people.

He also highlighted social benefits, noting that Latin American agricultural products are increasingly popular in China, while projects like agrivoltaics and Luban Workshops have improved livelihoods in LAC countries. Agrivoltaics is the use of land for both agriculture and solar photovoltaic energy generation.

"Under the Belt and Road cooperation, nearly 1 million jobs have been created in LAC countries," Xie said.

The 55th OAS General Assembly brought together regional leaders and observers to discuss pressing issues.

yifanxu@chinadailyusa.com