New DG reaffirms China’s commitment to Latin America & the C'bean

China's newly appointed Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, Zhang Run, has reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strengthening ties with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, including expanding direct air links and boosting people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at a media salon in Beijing recently, Zhang said China remains committed to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development with the region.

"Our willingness to advance China-Latin America relations will not change, our resolve to achieve common development will not change, and our goal of jointly promoting South-South cooperation will not change," he stated.

Zhang Run, director-general of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, attends the China Public Diplomacy Association event in Beijing on Friday. [Photo by ZHANG YUNBI/chinadaily.com.cn]

The event marked the first anniversary of the launch of five initiatives aimed at building a China-Latin America and Caribbean community with a shared future, focusing on solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people connectivity.

Zhang emphasized that China's relations with the region are based on mutual benefit and are not directed against any third party.

He also signaled China's interest in increasing direct flight routes and facilitating greater cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges between China and countries in the region.

Addressing diplomatic relations, the new Director-General encouraged the few countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that do not recognize the One-China Principle to join the majority of nations that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Zhang further reiterated China's opposition to the United States' sanctions and embargo against Cuba, while reaffirming Beijing's support for Cuba's development efforts.

China has continued to expand its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean through cooperation in trade, infrastructure, education, technology, and cultural exchange.