China-CELAC ministerial meeting to deliver roadmap for cooperation

The upcoming Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum will show the two sides' resolution in pursuing peace, development, and cooperation, and chart the course for cooperation for the next three years, according to China's Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu.

The ministerial meeting will be held on May 13 in Beijing, with foreign ministers or representatives from Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) member countries and regional international organizations in attendance.

Briefing the media on Sunday about the upcoming meeting, Miao said the theme of the gathering would be to jointly plan for development and revitalization, and build a China-LAC community with a shared future.

Two sides will adopt a Beijing Declaration and a joint action plan, according to the assistant foreign minister.

"The Beijing Declaration will express the two sides' shared determination to pursue peace, seek development, and promote cooperation. The joint action plan outlines specific initiatives in areas such as technological innovation, trade and investment, finance, infrastructure, agriculture and food security, industrial modernization, energy and mineral resources, and the Belt and Road Initiative. It will serve as a roadmap for China-LAC cooperation over the next three years," Miao told the press.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-CELAC Forum, Miao said holding the meeting is an important step taken by both sides to build on past achievements and jointly shape the future. He underlined that the meeting will send a clear message to the world that China and Latin America stand united in solidarity and collaboration to address global challenges together.

"China believes that Latin American and Caribbean countries are an important part of the global trend toward multipolarity and economic globalization. The people of Latin America and the Caribbean are building their own homeland - not anyone else's backyard. What they seek is independence and autonomy, not a so-called 'new Monroe Doctrine.' Let me emphasize that China-CELAC cooperation is a form of South-South cooperation. It is based on mutual support, not geopolitical calculation; on win-win outcomes, not winner-takes-all dynamics; on openness and inclusiveness, not exclusivity or confrontation. In its engagement with Latin American and Caribbean countries, China has never sought spheres of influence, nor has it ever targeted any third party," Miao said.

"I would also like to emphasize that the Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and is at the very core of China's core interests. The one-China principle is a widely recognized consensus in the international community and a key component of the post-World War II international order. It serves as the political foundation for China's relations with other countries. China is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with more LAC countries on the basis of the one-China principle," he added.

China-CELAC ministerial meeting to deliver roadmap for cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM