China unveils roadmap for deepening cooperation with LAC countries
On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of five programs to advance shared development and revitalisation with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.
The five programs range from solidarity, development, and civilisation to peace and person-to-person connectivity.
In the next three years, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China to facilitate exchanges on national governance best practices, Xi said.
In the development program, China is willing to work with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation.
Xi said China will import more quality products from LAC countries and encourage Chinese enterprises to expand their investment in the region.
On the Peace program, Xi called for joint implementation of the Global Security Initiative. He said both sides should cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organised crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region.
On the People-to-People Connectivity Program, Xi said 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; initiate 300 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects; and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education.
China has decided to offer a visa-free policy to five LAC countries and will expand it to cover more regional countries in due course, Xi said.
