Photo: Flickr.
The foreign ministers of Argentina, Peru and Bolivia embarked this week on their respective state visits to China, where they seek to strengthen relations with the Asian country, given its growing interest in Latin America. During the visits, key issues such as trade, investment and cooperation in technology and infrastructure are expected to be addressed.
China has become a key trade and investment partner for the region, and the South American countries seek to deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, technology and infrastructure.
During their stay in China, the foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with senior Chinese officials, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
China’s Vice President Han Zheng already held meetings in Beijing on Monday with Argentina’s foreign minister Diana Mondino and Peruvian foreign minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea, respectively.
Argentina’s Mondino traveled to China accompanied by a delegation of economic representatives including the President of the Central Bank of Argentina, Santiago Bausili, and the Secretary of Finance, Pablo Quirino. During her visit she is expected to address the swap agreement with China, strengthen cooperation in the lithium sector and attract Chinese investment in public works.
In addition, her visit aims to improve relations with China after tensions caused by Argentine political statements and gestures seemingly in favor of Taiwan, that have affected diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“China is willing to continue mutual understanding and reciprocal support with Argentina, being partners on the path of development and raising the level of bilateral political trust,” Han Zheng stated during Monday’s meeting.
In the case of Peru, foreign minister Gonzalez-Olaechea sought to discuss the preparation of high-level visits and strengthen the bilateral relationship in various areas, where China’s support for the organization of the next Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting was highlighted.
An important aspect of these high-level meetings could be the concession of the Peruvian port of Chancay or finally consolidate the future of military exercises, instruction plans and joint training that was proposed by the Chinese Embassy in Peru and discussed in January this year with representatives of the Ministry of Defense.
Finally, Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda plans to address issues such as tourism, technology, energy and others of mutual interest with Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai.
Main source:
Ministros de Exteriores de Argentina, Perú y Bolivia iniciaron viaje a China para fortalecer relaciones bilaterales | VPI TV (April 28, 2024)
Others related source:
El vicepresidente chino, Han Zheng, se reúne con los cancilleres de Argentina y Perú | Infobae (April 29, 2024).
[ENTREVISTA] Javier Gonzáles-Olaechea: “En China le otorgan a Perú la máxima importancia en la relación bilateral” | Perú 21 (April 29, 2024).
La canciller de Argentina inicia su visita oficial a China con encuentros empresariales | ElPaís.cr (April 28, 2024).
La canciller Mondino despliega una agenda de reuniones diplomáticas en China centrada en las relaciones comerciales | Infobae (April 29, 2024).