China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held high-level talks with several foreign ministers from Latin American countries and Sudan, reinforcing Beijing’s growing global influence and its strategic partnerships with the Global South. The meetings, which took place on the sidelines of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, underscore China’s ambition to expand its political, economic, and diplomatic presence across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
The series of bilateral talks was hosted at the prestigious Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where Wang welcomed the foreign ministers of Honduras, Bolivia, Mexico, and Sudan. The discussions came shortly after the conclusion of the latest ministerial conference of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum.
A Successful Ministerial Summit
Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Wang Yi hailed the forum’s outcome as a “resounding success,” emphasizing unity among member states and a shared vision for a multipolar world order.
“All participants reaffirmed our collective resolve to oppose unilateralism and bullying behavior on the global stage,” said Wang. “We are committed to upholding the basic norms of international relations and defending our shared and legitimate rights.”
The message echoed China’s consistent criticism of Western-led international systems, particularly the U.S.’s role in global governance. Through forums like CELAC, Beijing is seeking to present itself as a reliable and respectful partner to countries often sidelined by traditional Western alliances.
Latin America: A Growing Trade Ally
Latin America has become an increasingly important partner for China, particularly in the areas of trade, infrastructure, and energy. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the China-CELAC Forum on Tuesday, announcing ambitious plans to further deepen cooperation with the region across a wide range of sectors including politics, economics, academia, and security.
“China is ready to work hand-in-hand with Latin American and Caribbean nations to create a new era of mutual benefit and development,” Xi said in a prerecorded video message. “We will expand exchanges at all levels and explore fresh avenues for collaboration.”
Trade between China and the CELAC bloc has surged in recent years, surpassing the $500 billion mark in 2024. China has become one of the largest importers of Latin American agricultural and energy commodities, including soybeans, beef, iron ore, crude oil, and other critical minerals that power global industries.
Strategic Bilateral Meetings
Each of the bilateral meetings between Wang and his visiting counterparts was tailored to advance specific diplomatic and economic agendas.
Wang’s meeting with Honduras’ Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina García was particularly notable, given the country’s recent shift in diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China in March 2023.
“Honduras is committed to strengthening its newly established relationship with China,” Reina García said. “We value China’s role as a global economic engine and a partner who respects our sovereignty.”
With Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in natural resources, particularly lithium mining — a critical component of electric vehicle batteries. Bolivia holds some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, and China is keen on securing long-term access to these supplies.
“Bolivia welcomes China’s support in developing our lithium industry in a way that benefits our people,” said Sosa Lunda. “We want a partnership that prioritizes sustainability and technological advancement.”
Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, a respected diplomat and academic, emphasized the importance of education and cultural exchange during his talks with Wang.
“Beyond economics, we believe in fostering mutual understanding through people-to-people connections,” de la Fuente noted. “Academic cooperation and student exchange programs will play a key role in the future of our bilateral relations.”
Wang also met with Sudan’s Foreign Minister Omer Siddiq, reaffirming China’s stance on supporting African nations through peace, reconstruction, and development efforts amid political unrest.
“China has always been a trusted partner to Sudan,” Siddiq said. “We deeply appreciate China’s diplomatic neutrality and its efforts to support peace and economic recovery in our country.”
China’s Geopolitical Strategy
The timing of the China-CELAC Forum and these bilateral talks is no coincidence. As Western powers grapple with internal political strife and shifting global priorities, China has seized the opportunity to present itself as a reliable and consistent global leader, especially in the developing world.
Analysts say the forum is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to form strong alliances in the Global South — regions often underrepresented in Western-led institutions like the IMF and the World Bank.
“China is playing a long-term game here,” said Dr. Zhao Lijian, a Beijing-based international relations scholar. “By building deep and wide-ranging partnerships with Latin American and African countries, China is laying the groundwork for a more balanced global order.”
Looking Ahead
As the China-CELAC Forum wraps up, it’s clear that China is intent on solidifying its role as a strategic and economic partner to countries in Latin America and Africa. The growing trade figures, increasing political coordination, and focus on shared development goals all point to a future where China is not just a trading partner — but a key geopolitical ally.
The continuation of forums like this, combined with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its expanding influence in multilateral organizations, reinforces a shift in global power dynamics.
“We are at a turning point,” said Wang Yi. “Cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity — these are the values China brings to the table. Together with our partners, we are building a new future.”
Stay updated with Africalivenews for the latest international diplomacy stories, China-Latin America developments, and African foreign policy updates.
