China Daily: On May 13 last year, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and delivered a keynote speech, in which he announced the joint launch by China and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean of five programs for building a community with a shared future, namely, Solidarity Program, Development Program, Civilization Program, Peace Program and People-to-People Program. In December 2025, China issued its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, further fleshing out the five programs with results-oriented propositions. Could you share with us the progress in implementing the programs over the past year?
Guo Jiakun: Since President Xi Jinping announced the joint launch of the five programs for building a community with a shared future, cooperation between China and LAC countries has made good progress and delivered tangible benefits for both peoples.
Solidarity Program has enhanced political mutual trust. In March this year, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 10th summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, which was very warmly received. There have been frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides as well as mutual support on issues bearing on respective core interests and major concerns. LAC countries have responded positively to the Global Governance Initiative. Five LAC countries have joined the International Organization for Mediation.
Development Program has strengthened ties of shared interests. China has signed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation documents with Colombia, and BRI cooperation plans with Grenada and Ecuador respectively. In 2025, China‑LAC trade hit a record high of US$549 billion. Twenty‑seven LAC countries took part in the eighth China International Import Expo. China has made more progress than expected in extending the pledged RMB66 billion credit line to LAC partners.
Civilization Program has promoted exchange and mutual learning. New editions of the Forum on Dialogue between the Civilizations of China and LAC, the China-LAC Think Tank Forum and Development Forum, among others, were successfully held. Chinese art troupes, cultural roadshows, film festivals and film weeks have toured multiple LAC countries, sparking widespread interest and fascination.
Peace Program has upheld common security. China firmly supports the LAC region’s status as a Zone of Peace. We oppose violations of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and sovereignty and security of LAC countries. China and Brazil issued a joint statement on the Ukraine crisis. Countries in the LAC region affirmed their support to and joined the five-point initiative of China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region.
People-to-People Program has benefited local community. China extended visa-free policy to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay on a trial basis. The number of passenger flights connecting China and LAC countries increased to 24 per week. The opening of China-Argentina direct flight set a new record for the world’s longest passenger flight. The Chinese hospital ship Ark Silk Road brought humanitarian medical services to local people in many LAC countries.
No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will remain a good friend and good partner of LAC countries, strive for greater progress in carrying out the five programs for the China-LAC community with a shared future, and bring more benefit to people in China and LAC countries.
