On May 17, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, the rotating chairperson of the Council of Heads of the League of Arab States, extending his congratulations on the convening of the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level in Baghdad.Xi Jinping noted that over the past 80 years since its establishment, the League of Arab States has always been committed to promoting the effort of the Arab world to seek strength through unity, actively voicing the shared concerns of Arab states, and advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. At present, the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, with a complex, evolving situation in the Middle East. Arab states have adhered to independence, promoted development and revitalization, and upheld fairness and justice, playing a positive role in strengthening the influence of the Global South.Xi Jinping stressed that the vigorous development of the relations between China and Arab states over recent years has set an example of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. Xi Jinping recalled that he and leaders of Arab states jointly attended the first China-Arab States Summit in December 2022, during which they agreed to work for a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era. Xi Jinping expressed confidence that the second China-Arab States Summit to be held in China in 2026 will mark another significant milestone in the history of China-Arab relations. China and Arab states have consistently viewed their relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. Looking ahead, China will remain a trustworthy friend and partner of Arab states and stand firmly on the side of the just cause of Arab states. China is willing to work with Arab states to deepen political mutual trust, foster mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, move forward together on their respective paths to modernization, and build a higher-level China-Arab community with a shared future.

On May 16, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi over the passing of former Uruguayan President José Mujica. Xi Jinping expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and extended sincere sympathies to Mujica's family and the people of Uruguay.Xi Jinping noted that Mr. Mujica is a renowned leader of Uruguay who dedicated his entire life to the well-being of the Uruguayan people and was beloved by them, enjoying high prestige in the international community. Mujica had long been committed to the development of China-Uruguay relations and made positive contributions to the cause of friendship between China and Uruguay. His passing means that the Chinese people have lost an old and good friend. Xi Jinping said he attaches great significance to the development of China-Uruguay relations and is ready to work with President Orsi to continue promoting the sustained growth of the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership.

On May 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové on his assuming office as President of the Republic of Togo. On the same day, President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message to Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on his assuming office as President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo.Xi Jinping pointed out that the friendly relations between China and Togo have been jointly forged and carefully nurtured by the generations of leaders of both countries. Over half a century, the two sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and firmly supported each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns, becoming a model of equality among nations, regardless of size, as well as unity and cooperation in the Global South. During the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China-Togo relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togo relations and is ready to work with Togo's leaders to take the implementation of the outcomes reached at the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, so as to deliver greater benefits to the people of both countries.On the same day, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also sent a congratulatory message to Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on his assuming office as President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo.

Recently, President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from the head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, encouraging the chamber and its member enterprises to make new contributions to enhancing China-Denmark and China-Europe friendship and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.In his letter, Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for the head's deep affection for China and the confidence of Danish enterprises in China regarding the country's future development. China has been and will remain an ideal, secure and promising destination for foreign investors. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future. Xi Jinping expressed his hope that the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China and its member enterprises will continue to play the role of a bridge between China and Denmark as well as between China and Europe, and contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between China and Denmark as well as between China and Europe, and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between both sides.Recently, the head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping in both his personal and chamber capacities, extending congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark and expressing the hope to continue deepening cooperation with China.

On the morning of May 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who is in China for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Chile. Fifty-five years ago, the visionary elder leaders of both countries broke through the shadow of the Cold War and pioneered the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and South American countries. Over the past half-century, regardless of the changing international landscape, the ship of China-Chile relations has always cleaved waves and sailed ahead, leading the development trend of China's relations with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. China and Chile should continue to enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership for the era, set an example for China-Latin America common development and for South-South cooperation, and jointly advance the cause of peace and progress for humanity.Xi Jinping stressed that China is ready to work with Chile to consolidate political mutual trust, uphold mutual respect, treat each other as equals, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, enhance exchanges on governance experience, firmly support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, and safeguard their respective sovereignty, security, and development interests. Both sides should implement the Belt and Road cooperation plan, deepen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, industrial investment, infrastructure, and green minerals, and cultivate new growth areas in astronomy, polar regions, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and the digital economy. China supports more Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in Chile and welcomes more high-quality Chilean products into the Chinese market. The two sides should enhance mutual learning between civilizations and carry out exchange activities in education, culture, media, and youth, facilitate personnel exchanges, and lay a good foundation of public support for the long-term development of bilateral relations. At present, the international situation is fraught with transformation and turbulence, and the surging countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism deal a serious blow to the international economic and trade order. As staunch defenders of multilateralism and free trade, China and Chile should strengthen coordination in multilateral arenas to safeguard the common interests of the Global South.Gabriel Boric said that Chile attaches great importance to its relations with China. China has become Chile's most important trading partner, and bilateral cooperation has benefited the people of both countries. Chile will firmly pursue the one-China principle, and looks forward to further expanding cooperation with China in trade, investment, artificial intelligence and other fields, advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to achieve more concrete outcomes in Chile-China relations. All countries should uphold free trade and mutual benefit and win-win results. Trade should not serve the selfish interests of a single country, and waging a trade war leads nowhere. Chile is willing to work with China to firmly safeguard multilateralism and the authority of the United Nations, stand for resolving differences through dialogue, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice.Wang Yi attended the meeting.During Gabriel Boric's visit to China, the two sides signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as the economy, publishing, inspection and quarantine, as well as media and think tanks.

On the morning of May 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, who is in China for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Noting that Colombia is an important country in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Xi Jinping pointed out that China has always viewed the development of bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to work with Colombia to promote greater development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and bring more benefits to the people of both countries. The two sides should consolidate political mutual trust, enhance strategic communication and firmly keep to the development direction of bilateral relations. The two sides should take Colombia officially joining the big family of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as an opportunity to promote the quality improvement and upgrade of cooperation between the two countries. China is ready to import more high-quality products from Colombia, support Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in Colombia, and participate in infrastructure development. The two sides can further expand cooperation in emerging fields such as wind energy, new energy vehicles, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and jointly achieve green and low-carbon transformation. The two countries should make the celebration activities for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations a success, strengthen cooperation in education, culture, tourism and other fields, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and consolidate the public foundation for friendship between the two countries.Xi Jinping stressed that China-LAC cooperation is an important part of South-South cooperation. It conforms to the general trend of world development and historical trends, and is in line with the common interests of China and LAC countries. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was successfully held, sending a positive signal to the world of seeking common development and revitalization. As the rotating president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Colombia has made significant contributions to the successful holding of the meeting. China is ready to work with Colombia and other LAC countries to continuously deepen and consolidate the building of the China-LAC community with a shared future and bring more benefits to the people of China and LAC countries.Gustavo Petro said, the friendly relations between Colombia and China have a long history. Colombia looks forward to further developing its relations with China. The two sides should deepen political mutual trust, enhance mutual support, advance Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, new energy and artificial intelligence, and improve people's livelihood. Amid the current complex and volatile international landscape, the self-serving practices of certain countries are not beneficial to the world. All countries should unite to respond. Colombia is willing to cooperate closely with China to safeguard international fairness and justice and protect the common interests of developing countries.After the meeting, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of the Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Colombia on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.Wang Yi was present at the above meeting.

On the afternoon of May 13, 2025, President Xi Jinping held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping noted that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil last year, the two sides jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. This strategic decision has drawn a grand blueprint for the next "golden 50 years" of China-Brazil relations. Amid the changing and turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil should remain committed to the original aspiration of contributing to human progress and global development, deepen the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, continuously seek greater synergy between development strategies, and work together to promote greater solidarity and coordination among Global South countries.Xi Jinping stressed that standing at a new historical starting point, China and Brazil should first uphold strategic mutual trust to consolidate the foundation of the China-Brazil community with a shared future. The two sides should carry forward the fine tradition of mutual respect and mutual benefit, support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, and strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all respects to ensure the long-term, sound and steady development of bilateral relations. Second, the two sides should expand cooperation and enrich the China-Brazil community with a shared future. The two sides should deepen the effective synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil's development strategies, give full play to the role of various cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and expand new frontiers of cooperation in energy transition, aerospace, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, so as to create more highlights in practical cooperation between the two countries. Third, the two sides should promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges and inject vitality into the China-Brazil community with a shared future. Taking the opportunity of the China-Brazil Years of Culture to be held next year, the two sides should enhance cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and at the sub-national level, and provide more convenience for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Fourth, the two sides should maintain multilateral cooperation to enrich the China-Brazil community with a shared future. As two major developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres, China and Brazil should enhance coordination and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the China-CELAC Forum, jointly uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, and safeguard the international economic and trade order. The two sides should take a clear-cut stand against unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying acts.President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said, Brazil and China uphold mutual respect and share a common future. The bilateral relationship remains solid and unbreakable, and brooks no disruption or undermining by any external factors. Unlike other major countries, China has consistently offered sincere support and assistance to Latin American countries, including Brazil, in their pursuit of economic and social development. Brazil is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, advance the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future, work together to build a more just, peaceful and prosperous world, and set an example for other countries. Brazil is ready to synergize its development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, infrastructure, aerospace, and finance. Brazil seeks to expand youth and cultural exchanges to enhance interactions and friendship between the two peoples. China's achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable, and Brazil is willing to learn from China's experience to lift more people out of poverty and hunger. Under the current circumstances, it is essential to firmly defend multilateralism. Protectionism and the abuse of tariffs will not bring development and prosperity but only lead to chaos. China's firm stance in addressing global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. Brazil is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with China in international affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.The two heads of state also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, agreeing that as peace-loving forces for progress, China and Brazil should strengthen communication and coordination, give play to the role of the Group of Friends for Peace, support Russia and Ukraine in initiating direct dialogue, and work with other Global South countries to continue playing a constructive role in resolving the crisis.After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents covering areas such as the synergy of development strategies, science and technology, agriculture, the digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media.The two heads of state also met with the press together.The two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Strengthening the Building of a China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future for a More Just World and a More Sustainable Planet and on Jointly Upholding Multilateralism, as well as the China-Brazil Joint Statement on the Ukraine Crisis.Prior to the talks, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, held a welcome ceremony for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his wife, Madame Rosângela Lula da Silva, at the square outside the east entrance of the Great Hall of the People.As President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived, a guard of honor lined up in salutation. The two presidents stepped onto a stand, after which a military band played the national anthems of China and Brazil as a 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past in President Xi Jinping's company.President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his wife in the evening. Wang Yi attended the above events.

On May 13, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Anthony Albanese on his reelection as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.Xi Jinping noted that over the past three years, he had met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and had in-depth communication on strategic, comprehensive and directional issues concerning the development of China-Australia relations, and reached important common understandings that have provided strategic guidance for the improvement and growth of bilateral relations. Further strengthening cooperation between China and Australia is of great significance for achieving common development of the two countries and promoting peace and stability in the world. Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to work with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance the steady and long-term development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to deliver greater benefits to the people of both countries.On the same day, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council sent a congratulatory message to Anthony Albanese, expressing that China is willing to work with the new Australian government to promote the establishment of a more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Keynote Address by H.E. Xi JinpingPresident of the People's Republic of ChinaAt the Opening CeremonyOf the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC ForumBeijing, May 13, 2025Your Excellency President Gustavo Petro,Your Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,Your Excellency President Gabriel Boric,Your Excellency President Dilma Rousseff,Delegates of CELAC Member States,Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,It gives me great pleasure to meet so many old and new friends from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries in Beijing. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend a warm welcome to you all.In 2015, LAC delegates and I attended the opening ceremony of the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, which marked the launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Ten years on, with dedicated nurturing of both sides, the Forum has grown from a tender sapling into a towering tree. This fills me with deep pride and satisfaction.Although China and the LAC region are geographically distant, the bonds of our friendship stretch back through centuries. As early as in the 16th century, Nao de China, or "Ships of China," laden with friendship, shuttled across the Pacific, marking the dawn of interactions and exchanges between China and the LAC region. From the 1960s onward, as New China established diplomatic ties with some LAC countries, exchanges and cooperation between the two sides became closer and closer. Since the turn of the century and in particular in recent years, China and LAC countries have ushered in a historic era of building a shared future.We stand shoulder to shoulder and support each other. China appreciates the long-standing commitment of LAC countries that have diplomatic ties with China to the one-China principle. China firmly supports LAC countries in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and independence, and opposing external interference. In the 1960s, mass rallies and demonstrations took place across China in support of the Panamanian people's rightful claim to sovereignty over the Panama Canal. In the 1970s, during the Latin American campaign for 200-nautical-mile maritime rights, China voiced its resolute and unequivocal support for the legitimate demands of developing countries. For 32 consecutive times since 1992, China has consistently voted for the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba.We ride the tide of progress together to pursue win-win cooperation. Embracing the trend of economic globalization, China and LAC countries have deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, infrastructure, and many other fields. Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the two sides have implemented more than 200 infrastructure projects, creating over a million jobs. The China-LAC satellite cooperation program has set a model for high-tech South-South cooperation. The inauguration of Chancay Port in Peru has established a new land-and-sea connectivity link between Asia and Latin America. China has signed free trade agreements with Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Last year, trade between China and LAC countries exceeded US$500 billion for the first time, an increase of over 40 times from the beginning of this century.We unite in tough times to conquer challenges through mutual support. China and LAC countries have collaborated on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and on joint response to hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Since 1993, China has dispatched 38 medical teams to the Caribbean. When the pandemic of the century struck, China was among the first to offer assistance to LAC countries, providing over 300 million doses of vaccines and nearly 40 million units of medical supplies and equipment, and sending multiple teams of medical experts. All this helped protect the lives of hundreds of millions across the region.We uphold solidarity and coordination and rise to global challenges with resolve. Together, China and LAC countries champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, advance global governance reform, and promote multipolarization of the world and greater democracy in international relations. We have worked together to address global challenges like climate change, and advance progress in global biodiversity governance. China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point common understanding on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which has been endorsed by more than 110 countries, contributing our wisdom and strength to resolving international hotspot issues.Facts have shown that China and LAC countries are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future. This community of ours is founded upon equality, powered by mutual benefit and win-win, invigorated by openness and inclusiveness, and dedicated to the people's well-being. It exhibits enduring vitality and holds immense promise.Distinguished Delegates,Friends,The century-defining transformation is accelerating across the globe, with multiple risks compounding one another. Such developments make unity and cooperation among nations indispensable for safeguarding global peace and stability and for promoting global development and prosperity. There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars. Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and autonomy are our glorious tradition. Development and revitalization are our inherent right. And fairness and justice are our common pursuit. In the face of seething undercurrents of geopolitical and bloc confrontation and the surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism, China stands ready to join hands with our LAC partners to launch five programs that advance our shared development and revitalization, and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future.The first is Solidarity Program. China will work with LAC countries to support each other on issues bearing on our respective core interests and major concerns. We must enhance exchanges in all fields, and strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues. In the next three years, to facilitate our exchanges on national governance best practices, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China. China supports the efforts by LAC countries in increasing their influence on the multilateral stage. We will work with LAC countries to firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and to speak with one voice in international and regional affairs.The second is Development Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative. We will resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation. We should foster greater synergy between our development strategies, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and bolster cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and food, and energy and minerals. We should expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, 5G telecommunications, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and carry out the China-LAC Science and Technology Partnership. China will increase imports of quality products from LAC countries, and encourage its enterprises to expand investment in the LAC region. We will provide a RMB66 billion yuan credit line to support LAC countries' development.The third is Civilization Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We should uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, and champion humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. We should enhance China-LAC civilizational exchanges and mutual learning, including through a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue. We should deepen cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation, and hold the Latin American and Caribbean Arts Season. We should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in cultural heritage fields such as joint archaeological projects, conservation and restoration of ancient and historic sites, and museum exhibitions. We should also carry out collaborative studies of ancient civilizations and enhance cooperation to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property.The fourth is Peace Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Security Initiative. China supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the Declaration of Member States of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. The two sides should cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organized crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region. China will organize law enforcement training programs tailored to the needs of CELAC member states, and do our best to provide equipment assistance.The fifth is People-to-People Connectivity Program. In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge program. We will initiate 300 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, actively promote vocational education cooperation programs such as Luban Workshop, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education. We will also launch an exhibition of Chinese films and TV programs under The Bond, and work with LAC countries to translate and introduce 10 premium TV dramas and audiovisual programs annually to each other. China will host the China-LAC tourism dialogue with LAC countries. To facilitate friendly exchanges, China has decided to implement a visa exemption for five LAC countries as the first step, and will expand this policy coverage at proper times.Distinguished Delegates,Friends,As an 11th-century Chinese poet wrote, "Life's greatest joy comes from finding kindred spirits." Latin America has a similar proverb which goes, "The one who has a friend has a treasure." No matter how the world changes, China will always stand by LAC countries as a good friend and a good partner. Let us march forward together on our paths toward modernization, working together to write a new chapter in building a China-LAC community with a shared future.

On the morning of May 13, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States at the China National Convention Center and delivered a keynote address. President Xi announced that China stands ready to join hands with its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners to launch five programs that advance shared development and revitalization, and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future.On this vibrant early summer morning, with the national flags of China and LAC countries and the flags of relevant regional organizations billowing together at the China National Convention Center, President Xi cordially shook hands and took a group photo with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia which holds the current CELAC presidency, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric and heads of delegations from LAC countries and regional organizations.Amid warm applause, President Xi delivered a keynote address entitled "Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future."President Xi recalled attending the opening ceremony of the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing in 2015 together with LAC delegates, which marked the launch of the China-CELAC Forum, and noted the development of the Forum over the past 10 years from a tender sapling into a towering tree with dedicated nurturing of both sides. He reviewed progress in the following aspects: Standing shoulder to shoulder and supporting each other, LAC countries that have diplomatic ties with China have been consistently committed to the one-China principle, and China firmly supports LAC countries in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and independence, and opposing external interference. Riding the tide of progress together to pursue win-win cooperation and embracing the trend of economic globalization, the two sides have deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, infrastructure, and many other fields and carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Uniting in tough times to conquer challenges through mutual support, China and LAC countries have collaborated on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and on joint response to hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters as well as the pandemic of the century. Upholding solidarity and coordination and rising to global challenges with resolve, China and LAC countries champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, advance global governance reform, and promote multipolarization of the world and greater democracy in international relations. President Xi said facts have shown that China and LAC countries are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future, and this community is founded upon equality, powered by mutual benefit and win-win, invigorated by openness and inclusiveness, and dedicated to the people's well-being, exhibiting enduring vitality and holding immense promise.President Xi stressed that the century-defining transformation is accelerating across the globe, with multiple risks compounding one another, which makes unity and cooperation among nations indispensable for safeguarding global peace and stability and for promoting global development and prosperity. He said that there are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars, and bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation. Pointing to the fact that China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South, he said that independence and autonomy is their glorious tradition, development and revitalization is their inherent right, and fairness and justice is their common pursuit. President Xi expressed China's readiness to join hands with LAC partners to launch five programs that advance shared development and revitalization, and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future. The first is Solidarity Program. China will work with LAC countries to continue to support each other on issues bearing on their respective core interests and major concerns, firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and to speak with one voice in international and regional affairs. In the next three years, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China.The second is Development Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative. They will resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation. They will foster greater synergy between their development strategies and expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China will increase imports of quality products from LAC countries, and encourage its enterprises to expand investment in the LAC region.The third is Civilization Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. They should uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, and champion humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. They should enhance China-LAC civilizational exchanges and mutual learning, including through a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue.The fourth is Peace Program. China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Security Initiative. The two sides will cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organized crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region.The fifth is People-to-People Connectivity Program. In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge program. China will initiate 300 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education. China will implement a visa exemption for five LAC countries as the first step, and will expand this policy coverage at proper times.President Xi concluded by emphasizing that no matter how the world changes, China will always stand by LAC countries as a good friend and a good partner, march forward together with them on the paths toward modernization, and work together with them to write a new chapter in building a China-LAC community with a shared future.Colombian President and the current CELAC president Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and President of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff also delivered addresses. The Special Representative of President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay, the incoming CELAC president, read a congratulatory message from his president. They spoke highly of the fruitful outcomes of the CELAC-China Forum in the past decade and expressed appreciation for China's great contribution to advancing LAC-China cooperation and economic and social development in Latin America. They reiterated their commitment to the one-China principle, and commended President Xi's proposals of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative for opening up bright prospects for world peace, prosperity and progress. They agreed that in a world full of uncertainties, LAC countries and China should work together in solidarity, keep moving forward in building an LAC-China community with a shared future, and jointly create a bright future for LAC-China cooperation. They believe the two sides should uphold mutual respect and firmly support each other in standing up for their sovereignty and independently chosen development paths; further synergize development strategies of Latin American countries with the Belt and Road Initiative, and advance cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, new energy and education for the benefit of both sides; facilitate exchanges and dialogue among civilizations and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between their peoples; and resolutely uphold the authority of the U.N., safeguard global and regional peace and stability, support multilateralism and free trade, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, power politics and bullying, and protect the common interests of counties in the Global South.At noon, President Xi held a welcoming banquet for the leaders of LAC countries and heads of delegations.Cai Qi and Yin Li were present at the events.Wang Yi moderated the opening ceremony.