Jesus Seade, Mexican ambassador to China, gives opening remarks at a reception in Beijing on September 11, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the United Mexican States in China

The Embassy of the United Mexican States in China hosted a grand event celebrating the 216th anniversary of Mexico's independence in Beijing on September 11. At the reception, Jesus Seade, Mexican ambassador to China, stressed in his address that Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico Roberto Velasco Álvarez, who recently visited China, had received a warm welcome. The two sides had further enhanced political mutual trust and built consensus on cooperation, injecting new momentum into the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership, he noted.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had held talks with Secretary Velasco in Beijing on September 7.

Wang said China has always viewed and advanced China-Mexico relations from the strategic perspective of unity and cooperation among countries in the Global South.

Pointing out that this was Velasco's first visit to China in his new role, Ambassador Seade said that the visit reaffirmed the historic friendship between Mexico and China, a relationship that stretches back nearly half a millennium, with the active flows of trade and people carried back and forth for 250 years by the Manila Galleon - known in Mexico as the Nao de China - twice a year.

The reception welcomed delegates of the Chinese and Mexican governments, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the business community, students, scholars, and Mexican expatriates who are based in Beijing. 

Ambassador Seade said that 2026 has given Mexico, as a country, many reasons to celebrate. The North American country made history by opening its doors to the world for a third time to host a FIFA World Cup, on this occasion through an unprecedented collaborative effort among Mexico, the US, and Canada, which proved to be a resounding success.

Seade also shared that that the Mexican Embassy in China officially inaugurated its new consulate, a fourth one in Southwest China's Chongqing, on September 7. 

The diplomat said that Chongqing holds a special place in the diplomatic history of the two countries. More than eight decades ago, during one of the most difficult periods in China's history, Mexico established its diplomatic representation in Chongqing in 1942, elevated it to the rank of embassy in 1943, and sent its ambassador to Chongqing in 1945, in this way, the new consulate can be regarded as marking Mexico's return to Chongqing. 

Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America, while China is Mexico's second-largest trading partner worldwide. Additionally, Mexico is Chongqing's largest trading partner in Latin America, Seade noted, highlighting the fruitful results of practical economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

"Alongside our political, trade, and investment relationship, may we continue to foster greater academic and scientific exchanges between our countries; more student exchanges; greater technical cooperation to address challenges with significant social impact; and, undoubtedly, more cultural exchanges and tourism — with more Mexicans visiting China and more Chinese visitors discovering Mexico," said Seade. 

Qiu Xiaoqi, special representative of the Chinese government for Latin American affairs, said in his speech that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, the China-Mexico Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has demonstrated strong vitality in recent years. 

Exchanges at all levels between our two countries have been frequent, and both sides have maintained communication on strategic issues and matters of global importance, Qiu said. "Earlier this month, the foreign ministers of our two countries held in-depth exchanges of views on the development of China-Mexico relations and issues of common interest, enhancing mutual trust and expanding consensus," he added. 

"The complementary strengths of our two countries have become increasingly evident, and our practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results," said Qiu.  

Bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion for several consecutive years and grew by 7.4 percent between January and July of this year. Bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and telecommunication has achieved positive results, while cooperation in emerging fields, such as clean energy, is advancing rapidly, Qiu said. 

The modernization of Mexico City Metro Line 1 has become a new flagship project for bilateral ties, while several Chinese brands contributed to the success of this years' FIFA World Cup, Qiu said, giving some examples. 

"Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries have also been rich and fruitful. This years, two major exhibitions showcasing Mexico's ancient civilizations were held in Beijing and Shanghai, becoming major cultural events in both cities," said Qiu. 

The encounter and dialogue vividly testify to the mutual learning between the two peoples, Qiu added. 

As for the new Consulate of Mexico, Qiu said that it will further facilitate exchanges between the people of the two countries and promote greater cooperation and exchanges at the local level. 

Qiu shared that in 2027, China and Mexico will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

"China stands ready to work with Mexico to fully implement the important understandings reached by the heads of state of our two countries, deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination, intensify people-to-people exchanges, and take China-Mexico relations to new heights," Qiu said. 

Additionally, as a symbol of friendship from the people of Mexico to the people of China, the ambassadors and delegates at the celebration unveiled the sculpture Wings of Mexico (Alas de México), by the renowned Mexican artist Jorge Marín.