Public diplomacy association hosts salon on China-LAC shared future

Diplomats, scholars and young content creators gathered in Beijing on Monday for the "No. 7A Salon," a special briefing marking the first anniversary of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China, to explore a path toward a China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) community with a shared future.

The event was hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association, whose organizers see young digital storytellers as a vital bridge for deepening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the region.

Addressing the salon, China's special representative for Latin American affairs Qiu Xiaoqi highlighted the achievements of China-LAC cooperation, saying the two sides have acted in growing concert on the global stage, from international institutions to shared positions against coercive practices.

"Over the past year or so, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have actively advanced the building of the China-LAC community with a shared future through five major programs focusing on unity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people bonds, and have made joint contributions to a more just and equitable global governance system. The two sides have worked closely together under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS, APEC and the China-CELAC Forum. They speak with one voice and make concerted efforts on global issues including multilateral trade, climate change and food and energy security, and jointly oppose unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonic practices," said Qiu.

Chinese officials attending the meeting reaffirmed Beijing's principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of LAC countries, saying China's modernization experience offers a useful reference for countries in the region as they explore their own development paths. On artificial intelligence (AI), the officials voiced readiness for cooperation with the region, while stressing that the technology must remain under human control.

Public diplomacy association hosts salon on China-LAC shared future

China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said Botswana is an important partner for China in Southern Africa.

Noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Boko charted a bright future for bilateral relations during their talks on Tuesday afternoon, Zhao said that China stands ready to work with Botswana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, uphold the principles of equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, foster a stronger bond between the two peoples, and elevate the bilateral ties to a higher level.

The NPC is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Parliament of Botswana, exchange experiences on topics like advancing democracy and the rule of law, and provide legal support for practical cooperation between the two countries, said Zhao.

Boko said that Botswana attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China and is firmly committed to the one-China principle. He thanked China for its support for Botswana's economic and social development, expressing willingness to draw upon China's successful experiences.

He said Botswana hopes that the legislative bodies of both countries would strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation in capacity building and personnel training.

Boko laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes on Tian'anmen Square on Tuesday afternoon.

China's top legislator meets with Botswana president