10 Years of China-CELAC Forum: A New Model for Global South Cooperation
As the China-CELAC Forum marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, the platform has emerged as a cornerstone for strengthening ties between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries. Established in 2015, the forum has driven cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and technology, with bilateral trade surpassing $450 billion in 2023.
Economic Priorities in a Shifting World
China has financed over 200 projects across Latin America since 2015, focusing on renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Recent investments include Brazil‘s green hydrogen initiatives and Argentina‘s lithium processing plants. "This partnership prioritizes local needs over conditional aid," noted an analyst in CGTN‘s special program.
Navigating Geopolitical Crossroads
Amid U.S.-China technological competition, Latin American nations are leveraging the forum to diversify partnerships while maintaining strategic autonomy. The region‘s lithium reserves, critical for EV batteries, have become central to Beijing‘s green energy strategy, with Chinese firms holding shares in 15 mining projects across the Lithium Triangle.
Cultural Bridges and Future Prospects
The forum‘s "Silk Road" scholarship program has enabled 7,000 Latin American students to study in China since 2016. As climate cooperation gains momentum, 18 member states recently joined China‘s Global Development Initiative focused on sustainable infrastructure.
