Forum charts path for solid South-South ties

Latin America, the Caribbean embrace China's pragmatic, inclusive initiatives

The fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum has produced concrete outcomes and injected fresh momentum into collaboration between the two sides, with experts and a senior diplomat highlighting its significance for global development.

In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of five programs aimed at advancing shared development and revitalization with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The initiatives — focusing on solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity — provide a clear road map for deepening cooperation and advancing common goals. The meeting also adopted the Beijing Declaration and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-27).

Uruguay's Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, speaking at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, commended the initiatives for their comprehensive nature and long-term significance for the development of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. He also expressed his appreciation for China for hosting the meeting.

Lubetkin said Uruguay and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region look forward to deepening cooperation and friendly relations with China.

The newly proposed initiatives align with Uruguay's national conditions and needs and reflect the aspirations of its people, he said.

"We hope to see concrete outcomes from these initiatives that will further advance our people's development."

In addition, he applauded China's three global initiatives, affirming firm support for the Global Development Initiative. "The GDI is what Global South countries have been looking forward to, enabling us to work and develop together with China over the next two to three decades," he said.

Development needs

Uruguay attaches great importance to the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, calling the latter especially relevant for Uruguay's strategic development needs, he said. "In the face of a volatile international landscape, we must actively work through such forward-looking initiatives to foster a more balanced global order."

Lubetkin also praised China's development achievements and their positive effect on Uruguay. "China plays a pivotal role on the world stage, serving as a key driver of global economic growth. Its successful development mechanisms offer valuable insights for Uruguay," he said, adding the country is keen to study China's experience.

Luciano Campos, a professor at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and a senior economist at Numera Analytics in Canada, said the outcome of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum signals deepening of China-Latin America ties, going beyond economics.

The gathering aims to strengthen political trust and cultural ties while fostering a broader cooperative relationship based on equality, mutual benefit and shared development, he added.

James Shikwati, founder and director of the think tank Inter Region Economic Network in Nairobi, Kenya, said Xi's keynote speech resonated well beyond the intended audience.

"It struck a chord across the Global South who see China as a predictable partner and whose messaging reflects their own aspirations for multilateralism, global justice and a world order not dominated by a single hegemonic power," he said.

"In a world fractured by geopolitical tensions ... and the United States' tariffs, President Xi's appeal for a shared future and solidarity carries a message of hope for unity and reforming of global governance."

The call to treat developing countries as equal stakeholders, rather than peripheral players, assuages long-standing frustrations across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, he added.