International leaders convene at China-CELAC summit, emphasizing cooperation in multilateralism and navigating trade disputes worldwide
China-CELAC Forum Marks Decade of Cooperation, Emphasizes Sustainable Development
The China-CELAC Forum, a key multilateral platform for political dialogue, economic cooperation, and sustainable development between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and held its 4th summit in May 2025. The event underscored the importance of expanded cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, technology, clean energy, and the digital economy, aligning with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During the summit, China and CELAC countries adopted the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-2027). This plan outlines over 100 projects focusing on infrastructure and emerging strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, 5G communication, clean energy, and agriculture. The joint plan reflects China's commitment to promoting development aid and self-sustainable growth for Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The forum holds diplomatic and economic significance as China uses it to consolidate influence in Latin America and the Caribbean through multilateral cooperation measures, financial credits, and bilateral agreements within the CELAC framework. However, the implementation of projects often depends on bilateral agreements despite the multilateral forum's high-profile nature.
In the context of ongoing US-China trade tensions, the China-CELAC Forum gains importance as China seeks to deepen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean as alternative markets and strategic allies, thereby reducing reliance on markets dominated by the United States. The forum’s emphasis on cooperation in high-tech, infrastructure, and digital sectors also represents China’s strategic intent to extend its economic and geopolitical influence independently of US-related frameworks.
Nicaragua, which resumed diplomatic relations with China in 2021, signed four agreements with Chinese companies on the margins of the summit, including a deal with Yutong on electric vehicles and hydroelectric and mining deals. Brazil, on the other hand, has so far chosen not to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Chile, Colombia, and other CELAC countries also indicated a willingness to collaborate on solutions to challenges facing the energy transition and the digital transformation, among other issues. Colombian President Gustavo Petro proposed a fibre optic cable to connect Asia with Latin America.
The China-CELAC Forum underlined its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, and to "strengthening all pillars of the climate change mechanism". China continues to engage in related trade dialogues with other global actors such as the European Union to resolve trade issues constructively, underscoring a diplomatic approach focused on dialogue and cooperation despite geopolitical frictions.
In summary, the China-CELAC Forum is a significant platform for China's strategy to strengthen its partnership with Latin American and Caribbean countries through comprehensive cooperation programs, strategic infrastructure investments, and technological collaboration. The forum serves as a geopolitical counterbalance amid the China-US trade war and broader international tensions.
Sources:
- Reuters
- South China Morning Post
- The Diplomat
- Bloomberg
- BBC News
- The China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation (2025-2027) highlights China's commitment towards renewable energy and clean energy, with over 100 projects aligned with this focus.
- The China-CELAC Forum emphasizes SDGs and sustainability, as evidenced by the plans to collaborate on the energy transition, digital transformation, and infrastructure development in the region.
- As climate change becomes increasingly critical, the forum underlines its commitment to strengthening all pillars of the climate change mechanism, engaging in related trade dialogues with global actors like the European Union.
- In the realm of politics and legislation, the China-CELAC Forum signifies a strategic move to finance clean energy and investing in business ventures, extending China's geopolitical influence independent of US-related frameworks.
- Contemporary global news reports indicate that war-and-conflicts and geopolitical frictions continue, yet the forum represents a diplomatic approach focused on dialogue and cooperation, rather than conflict, especially amid the China-US trade war.
- Beyond diplomatic rhetoric, the forum demonstrates real actions, with Nicaragua signing agreements with Chinese companies for electric vehicles, hydroelectric, and mining deals.
- Beyond bilateral agreements, policy-and-legislation initiatives such as the fibre optic cable proposed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro further emphasize the commitment to regional cooperation and technological collaboration, shaping the general news landscape for years to come.
