At present, changes unseen in a century are accelerating in the world, and a significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power. The Global South stands out with a strong momentum and plays an increasingly important role in human progress. In the meantime, the world is beset by lackluster economic growth, frequent regional conflicts and disturbances, and unilateral bullying undermining international peace and security. Human society is facing unprecedented challenges.

China has realized its First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and is striving to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, and is dedicated to the common values of humanity. It is implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI), and deepening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. It advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promotes the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China has always stood in solidarity through thick and thin with the Global South, including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

In recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has set forth a series of major initiatives and measures on strengthening the China-LAC relationship and cooperation across the board, adding new dimensions to the relationship. The Chinese government hereby releases China's third policy paper on LAC to draw experience, plan the future, elaborate China's policy on LAC, and bring the relations and cooperation between the two sides in various fields to a new level.

Latin America and the Caribbean: A Land Full of Vibrancy and Hope

LAC is an important part of the Global South, and a major force for world peace and stability, and global development and prosperity. In recent years, LAC countries have actively explored development paths suited to their national conditions, sought strength through unity, and participated in global governance, with its global influence continuously on the rise.

The region as a whole boasts a glorious tradition of independence and unity for strength, and enjoys bright prospects. It is an essential force in the process toward a multipolar world and economic globalization.

The Flourishing Relations Between China and Latin America and the Caribbean

Though far apart, the peoples of China and LAC have a long history of friendship. In the early days since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the China-LAC relations were primarily characterized by people-to-people exchanges. After the 1960s, with the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and some LAC countries, exchanges and cooperation between the two sides became increasingly close, with both supporting each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and dignity. With the efforts of successive generations, the China-LAC friendship has taken deep root in the heart of their peoples.

In 2008, the Chinese government issued its first policy paper on LAC, proposing to establish a comprehensive and cooperative partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and common development with LAC countries. In 2014, the leaders of China and LAC countries held a meeting in Brasilia and jointly announced the establishment of the comprehensive and cooperative partnership of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

In 2016, the Chinese government issued its second policy paper on LAC, stating China's commitment to building a new relationship with LAC with five salient features, and its goal to bring the comprehensive and cooperative partnership to a new height.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, China-LAC relations have entered a new stage of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people, setting a shining example of South-South cooperation. China and LAC countries are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future. This community is founded upon equality, powered by mutual benefit and win-win, invigorated by openness and inclusiveness, and dedicated to the people's well-being. It exhibits enduring vitality and holds immense promise.

Joining Hands to Promote the Five Programs for Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future

China stands ready to join hands with Latin America and the Caribbean to promote the five programs on Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace and People-to-People Connectivity to advance shared development and revitalization, and write a new chapter in building a China-LAC community with a shared future.

1. Solidarity Program

(1) High-Level Exchanges

China wishes to give full play to the guiding role of head-of-state diplomacy, maintain exchange of visits and meetings at multilateral international events between leaders of China and LAC countries, enhance exchanges and mutual learning of experience on state governance and modernization, and strengthen communication on bilateral relations and major issues of common interest.

(2) Mutual Support of Each Others' Core Interests and Major Concerns

The one-China principle is the important political foundation and premise for China to develop diplomatic relations with other countries. The Chinese government appreciates that the vast majority of LAC countries abide by the one-China principle, recognize that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form, and support the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and realizing national reunification. China is ready to establish and develop state-to-state relations with LAC countries on the basis of the one-China principle.

China stands ready to work with LAC countries having diplomatic relations with China to enhance strategic mutual trust, continue to render mutual understanding and support on issues concerning national sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and other core interests and major concerns, support each other in following development paths suited to national conditions, and oppose hegemonism and power politics.

(3) Intergovernmental Dialogue and Consultation Mechanisms

Efforts will be made to fully leverage the role of mechanisms such as the high-level coordination and cooperation committee, high-level mixed committee, intergovernmental standing committee, strategic dialogue, political consultation, mixed committee on economy and trade, high-level group, free trade committee, and mixed committee on technology, and further improve the relevant dialogue and consultation mechanisms to enhance intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation.

(4) Exchanges Between Legislatures

On the basis of respecting each other, deepening understanding and promoting cooperation, the National People's Congress of China wishes to strengthen multilevel, multichannel friendly exchanges with national parliaments and regional and sub-regional parliamentary organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean by fully leveraging the role of high-level exchanges and exchanges at other levels such as those between special committees, friendship groups and offices.

(5) Exchanges Between Political Parties

Based on the principles of independence, full equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each others' internal affairs, the Communist Party of China wishes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with political parties and organizations of LAC countries and invite party cadres of the member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to visit China to further enhance mutual understanding and trust.

(6) Implementing the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

China is ready to work with Latin America and the Caribbean to adhere to the vision on global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, fully implement the GGI, firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the U.N. and other international organizations and on other international occasions, so as to enhance the representation and voice of the Global South, advance the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. China supports LAC countries in playing a bigger role in international affairs.

(7) Promoting Reforms of the Global Economic Governance System

China will work with LAC countries to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international economic and financial organizations and mechanisms such as the G20, APEC, BRICS, the IMF, World Bank, the Bank for International Settlements, the Financial Stability Board and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, enhance cooperation within the framework of the WTO-centered multilateral trade system, actively implement the outcomes of previous WTO Ministerial Conferences, and promote necessary reforms of the WTO, so as to better protect the development rights, interests and space of developing members. Efforts will be made to promote economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region. China calls on the international community to further promote global economic governance reform, improve and optimize global economic and financial rules, and further advance the IMF quota and governance reforms, with a view to increasing the representation of emerging markets and developing countries. China will firmly defend international fairness and justice, uphold the multilateral trade system and oppose unilateral bullying practices, safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains and reject attempts of "decoupling" and "reinventing the wheel," so as to protect the open and cooperative international environment and steer economic globalization toward the right direction.

(8) Collective Cooperation Between China and Latin America and the Caribbean

China supports the regional integration process of Latin America and the Caribbean and highly values relations with CELAC. China is ready to work with LAC countries to uphold the principles of respect, equality, diversity, mutual benefit, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness and unconditionality, and actively promote cooperation in various fields within the framework of the China-CELAC Forum. Concrete actions will be taken to give full play to the role of such mechanisms as the ministerial meeting, the dialogue of foreign ministers of China and the "Quartet" of CELAC, and the meeting of national coordinators, make full use of the cyber secretariat of the Forum, hold successful and more diverse sub-forums in various fields, encourage the active participation of all social sectors of the two sides, further improve the institution building of the China-CELAC Forum, and hold summits of state leaders of China and CELAC member states when the condition is mature.

China welcomes the active participation of regional organizations and multilateral institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean in the collective cooperation between the two sides, and will accommodate the needs of the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing countries in the region into the collective cooperation.

(9) Trilateral Cooperation

The China-LAC relationship does not target or exclude any third party, nor is it subjugated by any third party. It meets the fundamental interests of the two sides and the trend of our times featuring world peace, development, cooperation and win-win.

Based on the principle of mutual respect and by leveraging complementary strengths, China is ready to carry out trilateral development cooperation in LAC countries with relevant countries outside the region and international organizations under the premise that such cooperation is proposed, agreed upon and dominated by countries in the region.

China encourages its enterprises to carry out trilateral cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields in LAC countries with relevant parties on the basis of commercial principles.

2. Development Program

(1) Implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI)

China is ready to cooperate with LAC countries within the framework of the GDI, continue to share development opportunities of Chinese modernization, accelerate the implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and advance common development.

(2) High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation

China welcomes more LAC countries to join high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Following the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit as well as the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation, China will work with partner countries in the region to actively enhance alignment of development strategies, promote cooperation in various fields, jointly ensure the safe and smooth advancement of cooperation projects, and strive to make Belt and Road cooperation high-standard, people-centered and sustainable, so as to achieve modernization of peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity for all countries, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

(3) Trade and Investment Cooperation

China will further tap into the potential of bilateral trade with LAC countries, promote trade of specialty products, goods with competitive advantages or high value-added and technology-intensive products, and strengthen cooperation on trade in services and digital trade. Based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefits, China will explore establishing long-term and stable trade relations and discuss FTAs and other trade facilitation arrangements with LAC countries. China is delighted to witness the expansion of bilateral trade, and welcomes LAC countries' participation in the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo, the China International Fair for Investment & Trade, the China International Supply Chain Expo, the China International Industry Fair, the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair, the World Manufacturing Convention, etc. China encourages and supports its domestic enterprises in attending LAC-related international and regional fairs. China will properly manage trade frictions with LAC countries, promote sound and balanced trade and foster a diversified trade structure.

China stands ready to work with LAC countries to make good use of economic and trade cooperation mechanisms, and continue holding the China-LAC Industrial Investment and Cooperation Forum, the China-LAC Business Summit, the China-LAC High-Level Forum on Investment and Cooperation, the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, and the China-CELAC Private Sector Forum or activities such as promotion events. China will provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises from both sides to operate and invest. China will discuss with LAC countries on signing more agreements on investment protection and avoidance of double taxation, so as to create a sound environment and favorable conditions for investment cooperation between enterprises.

China follows the principles featuring business-led, market-based operation, pursuit of the greater good and shared interests, and win-win cooperation. China supports domestic enterprises in doing business and making investment in LAC countries to boost local employment, promotes the alignment of China's high quality production capacity and advanced equipment with LAC countries' demand, and helps those countries in need enhance self-reliance and capabilities for sustainable development.

(4) Financial Cooperation

China will support its financial institutions in strengthening exchanges and cooperation with national, regional and international financial institutions in LAC countries, and further optimize the construction of branch networks in the region. Efforts will be made to enhance dialogue and cooperation between the central banks and financial regulatory authorities of the two sides, expand cross-border local currency settlement, discuss RMB clearing arrangements, and steadily promote monetary cooperation including local currency swap. In line with the market-oriented and law-based principle, the two sides will discuss cooperation on Panda bonds. Building on existing bilateral financial cooperation, China will give full play to the role of China-Latin America Cooperation Fund, concessional loans, China-LAC Special Loan for Infrastructure, China-Latin American Production Capacity Cooperation Investment Fund and financing arrangements between China and the Caribbean countries, actively explore cooperation forms including insurance and financial leasing, further expand cooperation with regional financial institutions in LAC countries, and support cooperation in key areas and major projects between the two sides.

(5) Energy and Resources Cooperation

Based on the principles of win-win cooperation and sustainable development, China stands ready to expand and deepen China-LAC cooperation on energy development and utilization across the whole industrial chain, increase cooperation in oil, gas and other traditional energy sectors, strengthen cooperation on clean energy such as hydropower, solar power, wind power and hydrogen energy, deepen cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and enhance green development and utilization of mineral resources at various stages. China is ready to work with LAC countries to actively explore establishing mechanisms of long-term supply and local currency pricing and settlement of energy and resource products, so as to reduce the impact of external economic and financial risks.

(6) Infrastructure Cooperation

China will work to strengthen cooperation on technology consulting, construction, equipment manufacturing and operation management in traditional fields of transportation, trade logistics, storage facilities, information and telecommunication technologies, energy and electricity, water conservancy projects, housing and urban construction, as well as in emerging fields such as renewable energy, smart transportation, digital infrastructure and smart cities. China encourages and supports competent domestic enterprises and financial institutions in actively participating in the planning and construction of infrastructure in Latin American and Caribbean countries, so as to enhance regional infrastructure connectivity and consistently empower regional economic growth and sustainable development. The China-LAC Infrastructure Cooperation Forum will continue to be convened.

(7) Manufacturing Cooperation

China will enhance synergy in industrial development strategies, increase exchanges in industrial policies, deepen cooperation on raw materials, consumer goods, equipment manufacturing, green and low-carbon industries, industrial and supply chains and industrial parks, and promote smart, digital and green development of industries in China and LAC countries. China will work toward a closer China-LAC partnership in industrial and supply chains, and promote the negotiation and signing of cooperation documents. The China-LAC High-Level Dialogue on Industrial Cooperation will continue to be held. China will promote policy exchanges on the development of small and medium-size enterprises, provide guidelines for their growth, and thus contribute to the industrial upgrading of LAC countries.

(8) Agricultural Cooperation

China will improve agricultural cooperation mechanisms, encourage enterprises on both sides to actively engage in agriculture trade, push for further exchanges and cooperation in agricultural science and technology, personnel training and other fields, and deepen cooperation in livestock and poultry breeding, forestry, fishery and aquaculture. China will work to enhance exchanges on public policies and market information on food security, and encourage relevant institutions in China and LAC countries to carry out targeted exchanges and cooperation in such areas as nutrition quality of grains and technologies that reduce post-harvest losses, with a view to jointly promoting food security. China will continue to set up and improve agricultural technology demonstration programs, promote the development and demonstration of modern agricultural technology, and enhance agricultural technology innovation, agricultural production and processing capacity and international competitiveness of both sides. China supports scientific research cooperation in areas such as bio-breeding, and the building of the China-LAC Sustainable Food Innovation Center. China welcomes agricultural enterprises from LAC countries to participate in the China International Agricultural Trade Fair, the China Grain Trade Conference and other fairs. The China-CELAC Forum of Ministers of Agriculture will continue to be convened.

(9) Science and Technology Innovation

China will strengthen inter-governmental mechanisms for scientific and technological innovation cooperation. The China-CELAC Science, Technology and Innovation Forum will continue to be held. China will actively explore advancing high-tech cooperation in such areas as information technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), aviation and aerospace, new energy, new materials, biomedicine and integrated circuits, and further implement the China-LAC Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership Plan. China will enhance exchanges between researchers and promote the implementation of exchange programs between young scientists. Scientific and technological personnel from LAC countries are encouraged to actively participate in the Talented Young Scientist Program and the International Training Program. Support will be given to young scientists from LAC countries to carry out short-term scientific research in China. China will explore cooperation in the construction of joint laboratories, R&D centers and high-tech parks, and support universities, innovative enterprises and research institutes on both sides in carrying out exchanges and cooperation and promoting joint research and development. China supports the China-LAC Technology Transfer Center in enhancing research capacity and the application of scientific and technological achievements, and welcomes the LAC side to use this platform for practical cooperation on the promotion of applicable technologies and demonstration of advanced technologies.

China supports the China-LAC Sustainable Food Innovation Center in becoming a platform for high-level cooperation on agricultural technology and helping China and LAC countries advance agricultural technology and jointly tackle shared global challenges such as food security. China welcomes the LAC side to take the Center as a platform to carry out practical cooperation in bio-breeding and other fields of agricultural technology.

China stands ready to work with the LAC side to engage in dialogue and cooperation on Artificial Intelligence, jointly implement the Global AI Governance Initiative, the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All and the Global AI Governance Action Plan, and advance global AI development and governance.

(10) Aerospace Cooperation

China will actively explore cooperation with LAC countries in such fields as communication and remote sensing satellites, satellite data application, aerospace infrastructure, and aerospace education and training, work with the LAC side to jointly promote the application of space technology in disaster prevention and mitigation, agricultural and forestry monitoring, climate change and other fields, and make good use of space technology to boost LAC countries' scientific, technological and industrial development, contributing to sustained advancement in the fields of science, technology, economy, etc.

China welcomes LAC countries to use the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and supports co-hosting a China-LAC BeiDou Navigation Satellite System cooperation forum. China is ready to explore the joint construction of a China-LAC BeiDou application cooperation and development center to deepen cooperation on BeiDou application.

China welcomes the active participation of LAC countries in China's manned space program and lunar and deep space exploration missions, as well as cooperation with LAC countries on space science and its application and International Lunar Research Station. The China-Latin American and Caribbean States Space Cooperation Forum will continue to be convened.

(11) Maritime Cooperation

China will deepen practical cooperation with LAC countries in such areas as marine science and technology, marine ecological protection and restoration, marine observation, forecasting, disaster prevention and mitigation, blue economy, polar scientific expedition and logistical support, so as to promote the development of maritime endeavors of the two sides. China will deepen cooperation and exchanges with LAC countries in international and regional fisheries governance, fishing port logistics services, fisheries science and technology, fisheries resources conservation, and combating illegal fishing, so as to jointly promote the sustainable development of fisheries of both sides.

China will cooperate with LAC countries to build logistical supply base(s) for China's Antarctic expedition and invite researchers from LAC countries to board Chinese research vessels for joint polar scientific expedition.

(12) Cooperation on Customs Inspection and Quarantine

China is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between customs inspection and quarantine departments with LAC countries, to promote trade safety and facilitation, and ensure quality of products and food safety. China welcomes more LAC countries to join Smart Customs cooperation partnership and Import & Export Food Safety Cooperation Mechanism for the Countries of the BRI, and stands ready to negotiate, sign and jointly advance cooperation documents with LAC countries regarding mutual administrative assistance on customs matters, quarantine access of animal and plant products, AEO mutual recognition, Single Window connectivity for international trade, etc. China will enhance cooperation on Smart Customs and food safety, actively cooperate on customs law enforcement, trade facilitation, capacity building, trade in goods statistics, animal and plant inspection and quarantine, food safety, and standardization, as well as cooperation and exchanges between customs authorities.

China welcomes safe and high-quality agricultural food products from LAC countries to enter the Chinese market. China is ready to establish and improve mechanisms for communication and cooperation, continue to strengthen cooperation on imports and exports of agricultural food products with LAC countries, prevent animal and plant epidemics and the spread of invasive alien species, and promote trade in agricultural products.

(13) Cooperation Between Trade and Investment Promotion Agencies and Business Associations

China will deepen cooperation with trade and investment promotion agencies, business associations and business communities in LAC countries, and make good use of relevant mechanisms and platforms for bilateral, multilateral and collective cooperation to facilitate exchanges between enterprises of the two sides, so as to promote win-win cooperation.

(14) Cooperation on Environmental Protection, Climate Change and Disaster Reduction

China will support the role of the UNFCCC process as the main channel in global climate governance, and act on the objectives, principles and rules of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement in a comprehensive, good-faith and effective manner, particularly the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities. China will further consolidate and strengthen cooperation with LAC countries on the UNFCCC process and other relevant mechanisms, actively promote consultations and exchanges between the two sides on climate response and cooperation in relevant programs, support LAC countries, particularly small island states, in their climate response. China will work with LAC countries on biodiversity protection to jointly promote the building of a community of life for man and nature.

China will deepen cooperation on disaster management with LAC countries, give full play to the role of the China-LAC disaster management cooperation mechanism, and strengthen cooperation in comprehensive disaster reduction, disaster monitoring and warning, risk assessment, disaster prevention, emergency preparedness, emergency rescue capacity building, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, so as to jointly improve disaster management capacity.

China will strengthen exchanges in the construction of digital cities, green cities and sponge cities, and engage in exchanges and cooperation with LAC countries in addressing extreme climate events and strengthening weather forecasting.

(15) Development Assistance

Based on full respect for the will of LAC countries, and in light of China's financial capacity and economic and social development, China will continue to provide development assistance to LAC countries without attaching any political conditions, and, in accordance with the needs of LAC countries, gradually expand the scale of assistance within its capacity, and innovate its assistance model, with a focus on human resources development, development planning, economic policy consulting and training, infrastructure construction, agriculture and food security, poverty reduction, climate change and humanitarian assistance.

(16) Tax Cooperation

China is ready to carry out extensive and in-depth cooperation with LAC countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism, and looks forward to the participation of more LAC countries as members, so as to strengthen communication on cooperation and capacity building on tax collection and administration, and build a growth-friendly tax environment.

(17) Market Supervision Cooperation

China is ready to sign cooperation documents on standardization with LAC countries, deepen cooperation and exchanges on standardization in key areas and jointly promote the formulation and application of international standards. China will continue carrying out standard information exchange, comparison and alignment, and standardization capacity building.

3. Civilization Program

(1) Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)

China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, and champion humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. We will work with LAC countries to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, consolidate social foundation of friendship, and promote world peace and development by implementing resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and promoting Global Civilizations Dialogue on multilateral platforms such as the UN.

(2) Enhancing Civilization Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between China and Latin America and the Caribbean

China will work with LAC countries to hold a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue, strengthen exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, carry out research on ancient civilizations, jointly crack down on illegal trafficking of cultural property and facilitate the return of lost cultural relics back to their countries of origin. China will deepen exchanges on culture and art, support institutionalized cooperation between cultural and art organizations, and promote mutual visits and exchanges among high-level art troupes and artists with LAC countries. China will work with LAC countries to support each other in hosting bilateral and multilateral activities such as cultural festivals, carnivals, and cultural tour exhibitions.

China welcomes the participation of LAC countries as partners in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia launched by China, so as to carry out practical cooperation on cultural heritage including the study of ancient civilizations, joint archaeological excavation, ancient site restoration, and museum exchanges. The two sides will also cooperate on tracing, claiming and return of lost cultural relics.

(3) Education and Human Resources Training

China will support the cooperation between educational institutions and companies of both sides in terms of exchanges between teachers and students, academic discussion, professionals training and joint research. China will step up cooperation in human resource development, capacity building and other fields, continue to provide LAC countries government scholarships and training opportunities in China. China will actively engage in vocational education exchanges and cooperation such as the Luban Workshop program.

China will support Chinese language education in LAC countries, facilitate the joint development of Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms, establish in due course new Centers for Chinese language and Professional Skills, Chinese+Vocational Skills Development Centers and local Chinese language teachers training centers, and continue to provide international Chinese language teacher scholarships, opportunities for the Chinese Bridge summer (winter) camp in China, Chinese textbooks, and teaching materials for LAC countries.

China attaches importance to cooperation in digital education with LAC countries and welcomes LAC participation in the World Digital Education Alliance. China is ready to engage in policy dialogue and practical cooperation to share its experience and progress of its digital transformation in education, so as to jointly build a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable global digital education system.

(4) Sports

China will deepen exchanges and cooperation in sports, encourage closer exchanges between sports organizations, and support friendly exchanges of athletes, coaches and sports managers with LAC countries. We will encourage exchanges on sports the two sides excel in to help improve athletic performance of both sides.

(5) Exchanges and Cooperation in Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television

China will strengthen dialogue and cooperation in press, publication, radio, film and television, and encourage the signing of bilateral agreements on radio, film and television with LAC countries. China will work with LAC countries to encourage exchanges and co-production of programs and participation in festivals or exhibitions on press, publication, radio, film and television held in each other's countries, and strengthen personnel exchanges as well as media technology and industrial cooperation. China will support media content co-creation and news exchanges and cooperation between each other's news agencies, provide convenience for the exchange of resident journalists, carry out joint interviews, exchange of news and personnel training. China will invite more journalists from LAC countries to China for short-term and medium-term visits and provide training opportunities in China for scholars, media, and independent content creators. China will enhance exchanges and cooperation in radio and television, support The Bond, an exhibition of Chinese films and TV programs, and translation of each other's quality TV series or audio-visual programs. Strong and influential Internet media from both sides will be encouraged to enhance cooperation in portal development, new media capacity building and other aspects. The publishing agencies of the two sides will be encouraged to cooperate to translate each other's classical works.

(6) Academic and Think Tank Exchanges

Efforts will be made to support academic research institutions and think tanks on both sides to carry out various forms of communication and cooperation such as subject research, academic exchanges, seminars, publications, etc. Universities of both sides are encouraged to carry out research cooperation. China is committed to continuing the operation of the China-LAC Think Tanks Forum, the China-CELAC High-Level Academic Forum, the China-CELAC Academic Forum, the China-Latin America Development Forum, and will support the construction of the China-LAC Development Knowledge Network.

4. Peace Program

(1) Implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI)

China stands ready to work with LAC countries to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, balance development and security imperatives, implement together the GSI, carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of peace and security and jointly promote regional and global peace and stability.

China supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the Declaration of Member States of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. It advocates the peaceful settlement of international disputes and hotspot issues and oppose willful threat or use of force.

China stands ready to work together with LAC countries to uphold the authority of international law such as the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, and strengthen coordination and cooperation.

(2) Military Exchanges and Cooperation

China will actively carry out military exchanges and cooperation with LAC countries, expand friendly exchanges between defense and military leading officials of the two sides, strengthen policy dialogue and set up working meeting mechanisms. The two sides will conduct mutual visits between delegations and vessels, deepen professional exchanges in such fields as military training, personnel training and U.N. peacekeeping operations, expand practical cooperation in non-traditional security fields such as humanitarian relief and counter-terrorism, and enhance cooperation in military trade and military technology. China will continue to host the Defense Forum of China-LAC based on voluntary participation. China welcomes LAC countries' participation in the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

(3) Law Enforcement and Judicial Cooperation

Efforts will be made to promote exchanges and cooperation between competent authorities of both sides in law enforcement and judicial areas. The two sides will accelerate the negotiation and signing of treaties on extradition, judicial assistance in criminal, civil and commercial affairs and other law enforcement and judicial cooperation agreements. Cooperation will be strengthened and expanded between the two sides in areas including extradition and repatriation of criminal suspects, transfer of sentenced persons, and seizure, attachment, confiscation and return of criminal assets. Efforts will be made in coordinating positions of the two sides on international multilateral law-enforcement cooperation, and in jointly combating non-traditional security threats such as cross-border crimes and terrorism. The two sides will deepen counter-narcotics cooperation, and jointly combat drug smuggling. China welcomes LAC countries' participation in the Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang).

(4) Anti-Corruption Cooperation on Fugitive Repatriation and Asset Recovery

In accordance with respective domestic laws and United Nations Convention against Corruption, the two sides will expand cooperation in combating corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows, and vigorously advance practical cooperation in fugitive repatriation and asset recovery. China will enhance experience sharing and practical cooperation with LAC countries on clean Belt and Road, and promote the Beijing Initiative for the Clean Silk Road. China will continue to host the Anti-Corruption Seminar for BRI Partners, and provide training slots for LAC countries. The two sides will explore to continue to hold the China-Caribbean Conference on Anti-corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation at an appropriate time. The two sides will conduct multilateral anti-money laundering cooperation under the FATF framework, and advance bilateral anti-money laundering cooperation through signing MOUs.

(5) Cyber Security

Based on the Global Data Security Initiative and the principles of peace, sovereignty, shared governance, inclusiveness, the Chinese government stands ready to work with LAC countries to build an open, secure, cooperative and orderly cyber space of peace, and put in place a multilateral, democratic and transparent Internet governance system. Efforts will be made to formulate an international code of conduct for cyber space under the framework of the U.N. that is generally acceptable among all parties, to bring the United Nations Convention against Cyber Crime into force at an early date and to actively build a community with a shared future in cyberspace. China opposes cyber hegemony and the use of cyberspace to interfere in other country's internal affairs or undermine their political, economic or social stability. China will continue to host the China-LAC Internet Development and Cooperation Forum.

(6) Non-Proliferation Export Control

The Chinese government stands ready to work with LAC countries to firmly uphold the U.N. as the main platform in the non-proliferation governance of weapons of mass destruction and promote establishing a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory export control order of non-proliferation. The two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation to promote the comprehensive, balanced and sustainable implementation of UNGA Resolution 1540. Efforts will be made to balance development and security imperatives, and uphold the legitimate rights of developing countries in the peaceful use of science and technology.

5. People-to-People Connectivity Program

(1) Social Governance and Social Development

China stands ready to conduct exchanges and cooperation with LAC countries on strengthening and innovating social governance, share and learn from each other's governance experience, jointly promote the modernization of national governance system and governance capacity, and continuously make social governance more law-based, smarter and more specialized, and enhance its public participation level in a bid to uphold the stability and order of their societies and enduring peace and stability of their countries.

Efforts will be made to further promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in social development areas such as social welfare and social assistance, strengthen policy sharing, and promote and realize practical cooperation in providing services and assistance to special groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, as well as disadvantaged groups in urban and rural areas.

(2) Poverty Reduction Cooperation

Efforts will be made to promote dialogue and exchanges with LAC countries in fields such as rural revitalization, poverty reduction, hunger elimination, and the narrowing of income gap, share information on poverty identification as well as experience in targeted poverty alleviation. The two sides will conduct technical cooperation to enhance capacity building for poverty reduction, and promote the formulation of economic and social policies in favor of the people living in poverty and the disadvantaged groups on both sides. Effort will be made to encourage and support exchanges and cooperation between relevant departments of the two sides, and continue to hold the China-CELAC Poverty Reduction and Development Forum. China will also continue to deepen cooperation with LAC countries in areas related to people's well-being and implement "small and beautiful" livelihood projects for LAC countries.

(3) Health Cooperation

China will continue to help LAC countries train medical personnel and improve medical facilities, and send medical teams to LAC countries to deliver free medical consultations. Efforts will be made to strengthen cooperation in traditional medicine cooperation, promote exchanges on drug regulation, increase dialogue on public health policy, deepen cooperation in public health and strengthen cooperation and exchanges on frontier health and quarantine. Efforts will be made to support cooperation between health care institutions at all levels, support the sharing of best practices in disease prevention and control, as well as infectious disease prevention and treatment.

(4) Consular Cooperation

Efforts will be made to strengthen and expand exchanges and cooperation between the consular departments of the two sides, make good use of the consular consultation mechanism and earnestly safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and citizens of China and LAC countries in each other's countries. China stays committed to high-standard opening up and will continue to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

(5) Tourism Cooperation

The China-LAC Tourism Dialogue will be launched. Tourism authorities and enterprises on both sides are encouraged to promote tourism resources and products to each other, expand tourism cooperation, and jointly support the travel agencies of both sides to visit each other's countries for route inspection and participate in tourism exhibitions. China will explore together with LAC countries to initiate more facilitation policies to promote two-way travels, support and encourage airlines on both sides to carry out various forms of business cooperation such as code-sharing, and launch air routes and flights in light of market demand. The consumer protection departments of both sides will strengthen dialogue and cooperation, prioritizing the protection of consumer rights of international travelers.

(6) People-to-People and Sub-National Exchanges

Efforts will be made to encourage people-to-people exchanges between the two sides and support social organizations to carry out various forms of friendly exchanges and public welfare activities. Communication between government departments of youth affairs and youth organizations on both sides will be advanced. The organization of China-Latin America Youth Encounter, China-Latin America Youth Campus, China-LAC Youth Development Forum, Latin American and Caribbean Diplomatic Delegation Program will be continued. Efforts will be made to deepen friendly cooperation between women organizations on both sides to jointly promote gender equality and women empowerment. Non-governmental players on both sides are encouraged to cooperate in areas such as disaster prevention and reduction, health promotion and livelihood development at the community level in a bid to enhance local communities' capacity in disaster response and comprehensive development.

The organization of the China-LAC People-to-People Friendship Forum and the Local Government Cooperation Forum will be continued and more sister-city/province relationships are encouraged. Efforts will be made to set up a dialogue mechanism led and supported by governments of China and LAC countries for their respective sub-national governments. Dialogues under the mechanism will be co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and government-affiliated institutions on the LAC side, with a view to bringing exchanges and cooperation between the sub-national governments of the two sides to a new high.