Much in Common

China and Latin America may be distant geographically, but they share a long history of friendship and common challenges. Both are at similar stages of development, and both seek more development. As our economies grow closer, we are pursuing even greater opportunities for mutual understanding and closer cooperation.

The Chinese government views its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean strategically, and from this perspective it is seeking to build a comprehensive and cooperative partnership of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

The past decade has witnessed dramatic progress in China–Latin America relations. What began as primarily a trade relationship—in which two-way trade has grown exponentially—has developed into a multifaceted relationship. Exchanges of high-level visitors occur regularly. China has established strategic partnerships with Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela. Communication between China and Latin America has expanded dialogue and exchanges at all levels of government. New channels have opened for people-to-people exchanges. And many countries now collaborate in multilateral institutions and forums.

China and Latin America share common or similar positions on many issues. China and the emerging powers in Latin America now consult, coordinate and collaborate well in many formal and informal multilateral forums like the grouping of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries, the G20, the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, and the UN Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development. These pragmatic trade and economic relationships have not only consolidated political relations; they have brought tangible benefit to the well-being of both peoples...

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Zhang Mingde is professor of diplomatic policy at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies in China.