As the China-CELAC Forum marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, experts and leaders are reflecting on its transformative role in fostering collaboration between China and Latin America. Established in 2015, the forum has grown into a pivotal platform for political dialogue, economic integration, and cultural exchange, offering fresh perspectives on South-South cooperation amid global turbulence.
A New Model for Development
Unlike traditional aid frameworks, the China-CELAC Forum emphasizes joint progress and local ownership. Larissa Wachholz, senior fellow at CEBRI, notes, "This model prioritizes mutual respect and infrastructure projects tailored to regional needs—like the Bioceanic Railway Corridor connecting Brazil to Peru." Jiang Shixue of Shanghai University adds that trade between China and Latin America has surged by 120% since the forum’s inception, driven by technology transfers and green energy partnerships.
Economic Evolution Amid Global Shifts
With U.S.-China competition reshaping alliances, Latin American nations are leveraging China’s engagement to diversify partnerships. Ingrid Tatiana Chaves of the Colombian Chinese Chamber highlights growing investments in renewable energy and digital infrastructure, stating, "Chinese collaboration helps us build resilient economies beyond raw material exports." Daniel Morales of Sun Yat-sen University underscores the forum’s role in advancing multilateralism, particularly in UN climate negotiations and debt management reforms.
Looking Ahead
As CGTN’s Wang Guan explores in a forthcoming discussion, the forum’s next decade will focus on AI collaboration, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive governance. Analysts argue that this partnership not only recalibrates global economic dynamics but also offers a blueprint for equitable development in the Global South.
