On March 21, the Tenth Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held in Colombia, the rotating chair country. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the summit.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since its establishment, CELAC has been committed to promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean, injecting new impetus into the unity, cooperation, and common development of the Global South. In May last year, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and CELAC was successfully held in Beijing. I attended the opening ceremony and announced the joint launch of five major projects between China and Latin America focusing on solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people ties, which received a positive response from the Latin American side. Over the past year, both sides have worked closely to deepen and solidify these five major projects, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both sides.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China will always be a good friend and good partner to Latin American and Caribbean countries, supporting them in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and development interests. China is willing to work with the Latin American side to uphold international fairness and justice and jointly write a new chapter in building a China-Latin America community with a shared future.

Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is a regional bloc founded in 2011 in Caracas, Venezuela, with the goal of promoting political dialogue, cooperation, and integration among its 33 member states. It was established to consolidate a unified voice for Latin America and the Caribbean, excluding the United States and Canada, and serves as a successor to earlier regional groups like the Rio Group and the Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Integration and Development (CALC).

Colombia

Colombia is a South American country with a rich cultural heritage shaped by its indigenous, Spanish colonial, and Afro-Colombian roots. Historically, it was home to advanced pre-Columbian societies like the Muisca, before becoming a core part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of New Granada and later gaining independence in the early 19th century. Today, it is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural expressions such as music, dance, and coffee culture.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and a major historical and cultural center, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties, a legacy visible in sites like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Today, it is a vast modern metropolis that blends ancient architecture with contemporary global influence.

Forum of China and CELAC

The Forum of China and CELAC is a major dialogue and cooperation platform established in 2014 between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). It aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties, reflecting China’s growing engagement with the region through initiatives like the Belt and Road. The forum holds ministerial meetings to coordinate joint plans and has become a key institutional framework for China-CELAC relations.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 4,000 years, marked by successive dynasties and profound cultural, philosophical, and technological contributions. Today, it is a vast modern nation-state officially known as the People’s Republic of China, home to iconic cultural and historical sites like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Its rich heritage blends ancient traditions with rapid contemporary development.

Latin America

Latin America is a vast region encompassing countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, primarily united by the historical influence of Spanish and Portuguese colonization and the widespread use of Romance (Latin-derived) languages. Its history is marked by ancient indigenous civilizations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, followed by European conquest, colonial rule, and a series of independence movements in the 19th century. Today, it is a culturally rich and diverse area known for its blend of indigenous, European, African, and Asian heritages.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is a region of the Americas consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and surrounding coasts, historically inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Taíno and Carib. Its modern cultural identity was profoundly shaped by European colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the plantation economy, leading to a diverse blend of African, European, Indigenous, and Asian influences. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultures, languages, music, and as a major global tourist destination.

Global South

The term “Global South” is not a specific geographic place but a political, economic, and social concept referring broadly to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania that have historically been marginalized in the global political economy. Its history is rooted in the legacies of colonialism and the Cold War-era “Third World” designation, representing a collective identity for nations often characterized by developing economies and advocacy for a more equitable international order. Today, it serves as a key framework for discussing issues of development, sovereignty, and global inequality.