Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent address at the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing underscored a transformative vision for global cooperation. Speaking at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) forum on May 13, 2025, Xi outlined five pillars for collaboration: Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity. These initiatives, blending Confucian principles with modern multilateralism, aim to reshape ties between China and nations often sidelined in global decision-making.
For Saint Lucia, the forum marked a pivotal moment. Earl Bousquet, President of the Saint Lucia–China Friendship Association, emphasized during a CGTN interview that the island nation's recalibration toward China reflects a strategic choice for equitable partnerships. "This isn't about alignment—it's about vision," Bousquet noted, highlighting opportunities in trade, healthcare, and education under China's 'win-win' framework.
China's development model, which lifted over 800 million people from poverty since 1978 and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, resonates deeply with LAC nations seeking sovereign growth paths. As Bousquet observed, "The status quo is unsustainable"—a sentiment echoed by leaders across the region prioritizing infrastructure investment and technological collaboration over traditional aid frameworks.
The forum's outcomes signal a shift toward multipolar diplomacy, with Saint Lucia among nations re-evaluating partnerships. Xi's emphasis on cultural and civilizational exchange—paired with China's $500 billion annual trade with LAC countries—positions Beijing as a counterbalance to historical dependencies. For smaller economies like Saint Lucia, this represents not just market access, but a seat at the table in shaping 21st-century South-South cooperation.
