BEIJING: (News Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has voiced support for Latin American countries pursuing greater independence and self-reliance during talks with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Beijing.
Noboa, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, is on a week-long visit to China that began on Sunday. His trip comes as Washington seeks stronger cooperation from Latin American governments on issues including organised crime and migration.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said China supports Latin American and Caribbean nations in protecting their independence and pursuing international cooperation based on their own national interests.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi also stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean should retain their status as a zone of peace and that countries in the region should be free to independently choose their international partners.
Xi called on China and Ecuador to strengthen political trust while expanding cooperation in key sectors, including energy, minerals, infrastructure and finance.
The meeting comes as Latin America’s geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, with several countries strengthening or consolidating conservative political positions and deepening ties with Washington.
China has meanwhile continued to expand its economic engagement with the region, seeking closer trade and investment relationships with Latin American governments.
In a related development, China has restored export access for eight Ecuadorian shrimp processing plants, according to Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture. The organisation described the move as an important breakthrough following months of negotiations and technical cooperation between the two countries.
The decision is expected to further strengthen economic ties between Beijing and Quito, with seafood exports forming an important part of Ecuador’s trade relationship with China.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.