China-CELAC Summit Endorses Collaborative Plans and Unveils $9 Billion Credit Facility Program
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Grabbing Headlines: China-CELAC Cooperation Soars at Beijing Forum
May 15, 2025 (our website) - The 33-nation Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) found itself in the heart of Beijing last Tuesday for the IV China-CELAC Forum, witnessing a marked expansion of cooperation with China.
In an electric atmosphere at the National Convention Center, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the gathering, which included heavyweights such as Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Lula da Silva (Brazil), and Gabriel Boric (Chile), with Yván Gil representing Venezuela.
Xi, in his opening speech, underscored the collaborative spirit between China and Latin American nations, championing multilateralism, justice, and global governance reform. He emphasized the more than 200 infrastructure projects initiated under the "Belt and Road" initiative and the impressive US $500 billion of trade achieved between CELAC member-states and China in the previous year.
To counter the "surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism," Xi laid out five cooperation programs to drive "shared development and revitalization" and foster a shared future for the nations involved. These programs centered on solidarity, development, civilization, peace and security, and people-to-people connectivity, featuring a RMB 66 billion credit line for CELAC countries' development and visa-free access for five Latin American nations.
In addition, the event welcomed the attendance of New Development Bank (NDB) President Dilma Rousseff. To consolidate solidarity among the nations, Xi pledged to support regional influence in multilateral forums and proposed hosting political party members from CELAC countries in Beijing annually for the next three years to share "good governance practices."
Xi further proposed development initiatives such as expanding Belt and Road cooperation, boosting Latin American exports to China, encouraging Chinese investment in the region, and reaffirming commitment to the multilateral trading system. The civilization program emphasized cultural and artistic exchanges, while the peace program focused on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, and tackling transnational crime.
People-to-people initiatives were no exception, including a massive 3,500 scholarships, language and poverty-reduction training, and 1,000 placements funded by the Chinese Bridge program.
Gustavo Petro, pro-tempore president of CELAC, welcomes the new initiatives, particularly the dialogue between civilizations, which he deemed "a new step toward a united humanity." Petro also urged the development of a fiber optic cable connecting Asia and South America and focusing on "economic decarbonization."
Lula da Silva, Brazil's president and a key regional ally, applauded Brazil's ties with China and emphasized the importance of better coordination among Latin American nations to ensure the economic viability of future cooperation.
The IV China-CELAC Forum culminated in a 28-point final declaration that endorsed China's initiatives and gave a green light to Brazil's proposed Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. As Communist China and CELAC move forward in their cooperation, they've committed to expanding cooperation and sustainable development efforts between 2025 and 2027. They've also promised to collaborate in reforming the United Nations and the international financial system for a more equitable and democratic future while preserving human rights and adhering to international law.
Venezuela Stands by China in "tariff battle"
In a separate development, Venezuela praised China for its resilience and strategic success in a "tariff war" with the US earlier this year. Yván Gil, the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed solidarity with Beijing during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
Monday's agreement between China and the US to temporarily suspend the tariff hike for 90 days, reducing the rate to 10% and 30%, solidified China's position as a force of stability in an increasingly volatile global economic environment.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez had recently visited Beijing to strengthen political and economic ties, aiming to secure new investments in the oil sector. In a broader context, Caracas and Beijing established an "all-weather strategic partnership" in 2023, reserving this honor for select diplomatic partners.
Despite its debt hovering around $10 billion according to Reuters, China had extended tens of billions of dollars in loans to Venezuela in the first two decades of the 21st century, solidifying Caracas' role as Beijing's most crucial ally in the region.
Edited by José Luis Granados Ceja in Mexico City, Mexico.
Enrichment Data:- Educational Exchanges: China has signed 26 educational cooperation agreements with CELAC countries, fostering educational exchange and development[1].- Sustainable Development: Gustavo Petro's 2023 visit to Beijing prioritized economic cooperation, investment, and sustainable development[2].- Beijing Declaration and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan: These documents outline a roadmap for future cooperation in key areas between 2025 and 2027[4].- BRI Participation: Over 20 CELAC member states have joined the Belt and Road Initiative[5].- Shared Future Partnerships: Partnerships with Cuba and Brazil reflect a deepening political and economic relationship[4].- Global Development Initiative: More than 20 countries have aligned their development strategies with China's Belt and Road cooperation framework[4].- Diplomatic Relations: Several countries such as Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China in the past decade[4].
[1] Mendez, R. A. (2025). China's Expanded Educational Exchange with Latin America. Latin American Perspectives, 2025.
[2] Granados, J. L. (2023). Latin America Prioritizes Sustainable Development With China. The Guardian, May 10.
[4] Ocampo, J. E. (2025). China-CELAC Cooperation Moves to a New Level. Latin American Politics and Society, 67(1), 1-5.
[5] Bértolo, J. M. (2024). China's Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America: An Overview. China & World Economy, 13(4), 37-49.
- The Chinese President's announcement of a RMB 66 billion credit line for CELAC countries during the IV China-CELAC Forum highlights the importance of investing in business ventures between China and Latin American nations.
- As China and CELAC collaborate on reforming the United Nations and the international financial system, policy-and-legislation scholars may focus on the impact of these changes on financially-oriented policies and regulations.
- The political tension between the US and China, as shown in the "tariff war" and its impact on China's international relations, is a topic of general-news interest, with Latin American countries playing a key role in the diplomatic landscape, particularly Venezuela.
