SINGAPORE—In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chilean President Gabriel Boric met on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Friday. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing their countries’ longstanding friendship and mutual support.
President Xi highlighted Chile’s pioneering role as the first South American nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. “Over the past half-century, our two nations have always firmly supported each other on core interests and major concerns, being good friends who trust each other and good partners for win-win cooperation,” Xi stated.
With the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching next year, Xi expressed China’s readiness to use this milestone as an opportunity to deepen strategic communication and mutually beneficial cooperation. He urged both countries to enhance exchanges across various fields, including infrastructure, clean energy, and information and communications.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
President Xi encouraged more high-quality Chilean products to enter the Chinese market and welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Chile. He emphasized the importance of providing a transparent, open, and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises from both nations.
China and Chile agreed to strengthen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and APEC. They aim to practice true multilateralism, safeguard global supply chains, and jointly build an open and resilient Asia-Pacific community.
Chile’s Commitment to Strong Ties
President Boric acknowledged the strong relations between Chile and China, noting the fruitful results of their economic and trade cooperation. “Under the current international circumstances, the constant development of Chile-China relations holds great significance,” he said.
Boric reaffirmed Chile’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to deepen exchanges in culture, education, capacity building, and infrastructure. He congratulated President Xi on the opening of the Chancay Port and welcomed further cooperation with Chinese enterprises.
Chile supports China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Both leaders expressed a shared vision to oppose protectionism and safeguard global free trade and stable supply chains.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Xi and Boric signifies a commitment to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Chile. As the two nations approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, their collaboration is expected to bring greater benefits to their peoples and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
