Key points
- Leaders and officials from LatAm and the Caribbean have descended on Beijing
- China-CELAC Forum held in China
- Beijing has stepped up economic and political cooperation with Latin American nations
ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping has slammed “bullying and hegemonism” in his address to LatAm leaders in Beijing.
Xi said China will provide $9.2 billion in credit to LatAm and Caribbean, lauding their “time-honoured” friendship.
Xi Jinping on Tuesday vowed to deepen ties with Latin America at a time of “bloc confrontation” as he addressed regional leaders.
China-CELAC Forum
Leaders and officials from Latin America and the Caribbean have descended on Beijing this week for the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.
“Although China lies far from the Latin American and Caribbean region, the two sides have a time-honoured history of friendly exchanges,” Xi said at the opening ceremony, likening the summit to a “great, sturdy tree”.
Economic and political cooperation
Beijing has stepped up economic and political cooperation with Latin American nations in recent years and has urged a united front against US President Donald Trump’s recent maelstrom of tariffs.
Addressing leaders on Tuesday, Xi hailed China’s ties with the region.
“Only through unity and cooperation can countries safeguard global peace and stability and promote worldwide development and prosperity,” Xi said, condemning “bullying and hegemony” in a thinly veiled reference to the United States.
