China Criticizes U.S. 'Harassment' and Strengthens Ties with Latin America
In a diplomatic meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping emphasizes multilateral cooperation while pledging significant financial commitments to Latin American countries.
On May 13, 2025, President Xi Jinping of China denounced what he referred to as U.S. 'harassment' during the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) in Beijing.
This meeting featured the participation of numerous leaders from Latin America, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, underscoring China’s ongoing efforts to bolster political and economic relations with the region.
Amid rising tensions in global trade dynamics, President Xi pledged €8.3 billion (66 billion yuan) in credit aimed at the development of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
This financial commitment is part of a broader initiative to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and education.
President Xi called for a united front against the tariff war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting that both China and Brazil should 'jointly oppose unilateralism.' Additionally, a joint declaration from China and Brazil expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to initiate peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing direct dialogue as a means to resolve disputes.
The meeting in Beijing signifies a growing diplomatic contest between China and the United States in Latin America, a region that has faced considerable pressure from the U.S. to align with its geopolitical stance amidst ongoing tensions.
On the eve of this significant meeting, the U.S. and China announced an agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs drastically over a 90-day period, with the U.S. agreeing to cut its tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% and China reducing its tariffs on American imports to 10%.
This agreement represents a crucial de-escalation in the ongoing trade war, although many trade issues remain unresolved.
During the opening remarks, President Xi asserted that 'no one can win a tariff war or a trade war,' warning that 'harassment and hegemony only lead to isolation.' He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among nations to preserve global peace and stability, as well as to promote economic development and prosperity.
In his address, Xi also indicated that China intends to enhance collaborations with Latin American countries in areas such as counter-terrorism and the fight against transnational organized crime.
This will include increased opportunities for student scholarships and training programs to deepen cultural and educational exchanges.
Echoing President Xi's sentiments, Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that a 'certain global power' was 'obsessed' with a might-makes-right philosophy, and urged Latin American countries to stand 'hand in hand' with China to defend their rights against intimidation from the U.S. The remarks pointed to the broader context of U.S. tariffs, which have become a point of contention in diplomatic relations.
Significant attendees at the event included leaders from various Latin American nations, all emphasizing a desire for a multilateral order that reflects shared interests rather than unilateral dominance.
President Lula and Colombian President Gustavo Petro both contended for a more equitable global economic framework, with Petro criticizing U.S. policy on issues ranging from economics to climate change.
As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand China's international influence through infrastructure projects, many Latin American countries have already signed agreements to participate, reinforcing China's strategic presence in the region and its commitment to developing key projects in developing nations.
This meeting featured the participation of numerous leaders from Latin America, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, underscoring China’s ongoing efforts to bolster political and economic relations with the region.
Amid rising tensions in global trade dynamics, President Xi pledged €8.3 billion (66 billion yuan) in credit aimed at the development of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
This financial commitment is part of a broader initiative to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and education.
President Xi called for a united front against the tariff war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting that both China and Brazil should 'jointly oppose unilateralism.' Additionally, a joint declaration from China and Brazil expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to initiate peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing direct dialogue as a means to resolve disputes.
The meeting in Beijing signifies a growing diplomatic contest between China and the United States in Latin America, a region that has faced considerable pressure from the U.S. to align with its geopolitical stance amidst ongoing tensions.
On the eve of this significant meeting, the U.S. and China announced an agreement to reduce reciprocal tariffs drastically over a 90-day period, with the U.S. agreeing to cut its tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% and China reducing its tariffs on American imports to 10%.
This agreement represents a crucial de-escalation in the ongoing trade war, although many trade issues remain unresolved.
During the opening remarks, President Xi asserted that 'no one can win a tariff war or a trade war,' warning that 'harassment and hegemony only lead to isolation.' He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among nations to preserve global peace and stability, as well as to promote economic development and prosperity.
In his address, Xi also indicated that China intends to enhance collaborations with Latin American countries in areas such as counter-terrorism and the fight against transnational organized crime.
This will include increased opportunities for student scholarships and training programs to deepen cultural and educational exchanges.
Echoing President Xi's sentiments, Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that a 'certain global power' was 'obsessed' with a might-makes-right philosophy, and urged Latin American countries to stand 'hand in hand' with China to defend their rights against intimidation from the U.S. The remarks pointed to the broader context of U.S. tariffs, which have become a point of contention in diplomatic relations.
Significant attendees at the event included leaders from various Latin American nations, all emphasizing a desire for a multilateral order that reflects shared interests rather than unilateral dominance.
President Lula and Colombian President Gustavo Petro both contended for a more equitable global economic framework, with Petro criticizing U.S. policy on issues ranging from economics to climate change.
As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand China's international influence through infrastructure projects, many Latin American countries have already signed agreements to participate, reinforcing China's strategic presence in the region and its commitment to developing key projects in developing nations.
