As global dynamics shift, China's partnership with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) enters its 10th anniversary this month, marked by unprecedented trade growth and shared development goals. Established in 2015, the China-CELAC Forum has catalyzed cooperation in sustainability, technology, and poverty reduction, positioning itself as a cornerstone of South-South collaboration.
Economic Synergy in Focus
Bilateral trade between China and Latin America surged from $236 billion in 2015 to over $518 billion in 2024, according to Chinese customs data. This transformative decade has seen China become a vital partner for resource-rich nations like Brazil and Argentina, which supply energy and agricultural products critical to China's manufacturing sector. In turn, Chinese investments in Latin American infrastructure and technology address regional development gaps, fostering mutual growth.
A Model of Equal Collaboration
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that China-CELAC cooperation is 'free of geopolitical calculations,' reflecting a departure from historical power imbalances in the region. Analysts note that Latin American countries increasingly view China as a strategic partner to diversify economic ties and enhance policy autonomy, reshaping global relations toward equity and shared prosperity.
