The Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange, celebrated in 2016, has strengthened ties of friendship and cooperation between the two sides, a Mexican expert on international relations.
The progress made this year opens the door to a new and more fruitful phase in bilateral ties, Tannia Luna, of Mexico's National Autonomous University.
"These exchanges have met all expectations and even surpassed them," said Luna.
As a result, "this new China-Latin America relationship goes beyond political and economic negotiations," Luna added.
As part of this year's activities, performances of Peking Opera were held at Mexico City's leading opera house, and works by world-renowned Colombian painter Fernando Botero went on display in Shanghai, bringing peoples on both sides of the Pacific closer together.
Art and artists traveled in both directions, taking Latin America to the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, and provinces including Jiangsu and Guangdong, and bringing China to countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica and Peru.
The initiative reflects the importance China confers on its ties to the region, said Luna.
"China not only values political ties worldwide, but also promotes and develops a solid cultural and creative industry, which allows the Asian country to export its fascinating and millenary culture," said Luna.
The effort has paid off in stronger bilateral ties, said Luna, suggesting that to further strengthen the relationship the two sides should increase academic exchange.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a week-long visit to Latin America starting next week, to boost the comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two regions.
At the invitation of Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Xi will pay state visits to the three countries from Nov. 17 to 23.
During the tour, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in Lima, capital city of Peru.
