China on Monday (May 12, 2025) welcomed Latin American leaders and officials to Beijing as it seeks to draw the region closer in response to the trade war with the United States.
Beijing has stepped up economic and political cooperation with Latin American nations in recent years and has urged a united front against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent maelstrom of tariffs.
Two-thirds of Latin American countries have joined Beijing’s trillion-dollar Belt and Road (BRI) infrastructure programme, and China has surpassed the U.S. as the biggest trading partner of Brazil, Peru and Chile, among others.
The forum between China and the 33-member Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is due to formally begin on Tuesday.
Brazil in Beijing
A notable attendee is Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a five-day state visit. Mr. Lula has sought to improve ties with both China and the U.S. since returning to power in early 2023.
Brazilian exports to China reached more than $94 billion last year, according to the United Nations Comtrade Database.
The South American agricultural power sends mainly soybeans and other primary commodities to China, while the Asian giant sells semiconductors, telephones, vehicles and medicines to Brazil.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Venezuela’s Yvan Gil, Peru’s Elmer Schialer and Uruguay’s Mario Lubetkin for talks at Beijing’s ornate Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Other expected participants include Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chilean President Gabriel Boric.
Mr. Xi will address the summit at its opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Published – May 13, 2025 10:06 am IST