Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng reaffirmed China's commitment to equitable cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations during a high-profile address at the 55th OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda. Speaking as China's permanent observer to the Organization of American States, Xie positioned China and LAC countries as partners in the Global South pursuing shared development goals.
"Our cooperation isn't about geopolitical chessboards," Xie emphasized, outlining five new collaboration programs launched during President Xi Jinping's recent engagements with the region. The initiatives span infrastructure development, cultural exchanges, and peace-building efforts, building on Xi's six visits to LAC countries over the past decade.
The ambassador framed China-LAC relations as a counterbalance to rising protectionism, urging joint efforts to "reject zero-sum mentalities and power politics." He stressed that Chinese investments come without political conditions, while reiterating Beijing's expectation that LAC nations continue supporting the one-China principle regarding matters of territorial integrity.
With over $450 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2023, analysts see the OAS engagement as part of China's broader strategy to deepen economic partnerships across the Global South. The speech notably avoided direct references to U.S.-China competition, instead highlighting South-South cooperation in sustainable development and technological innovation.
