As 2025 draws to a close, China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) celebrate ten years of strengthened collaboration, with bilateral trade having doubled since the partnership's establishment in 2015. This anniversary highlights Beijing's growing economic diplomacy in a region accounting for 22% of global copper reserves and 50% of lithium resources.
The cooperation framework has facilitated $25 billion in infrastructure projects across 18 member states this year alone, ranging from port modernization in Brazil to solar farm development in Chile. Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently emphasized "mutually beneficial development" as the cornerstone of relations during a virtual CELAC-China forum last month.
Key 2025 initiatives include:
A new digital economy working group
Expanded access to China's carbon credit market
Joint biotechnology research centers
CELAC Secretary-General Alberto Fernández noted the partnership has helped member states increase renewable energy capacity by 38% since 2020. With negotiations underway for a 2025-2029 cooperation roadmap, analysts predict increased focus on green technology transfers and food security solutions.
