On April 18th, an article entitled China-Dominica Ties: A Model for China-LAC Relations authored by H.E. Chu Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, was published in Dominica’s mainstream media The Chronicle. In the article, Ambassador Chu introduced the key messages of President Xi Jinping’s important speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, and outlined the major outcomes of the meeting. Following is the full text of the article：

On May 13, the highly anticipated Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum convened in Beijing. My friend Hon. Vince Henderson, Dominican Foreign Minister, joined representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean to mark the Forum’s 10th anniversary and jointly charted a new course for future development with China. The meeting adopted two key outcome documents—the Beijing Declaration and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-2027)—ushering in a new chapter for China-LAC relations.

The biggest highlight of the meeting was the keynote speech delivered by my President H.E. Xi Jinping. In his address, President Xi systematically summarized the successful experiences of the development of China-LAC relations, and announced the launch of five programs which are Solidarity Program, Development Program, Civilization Program, Peace Program and People-to-People Program, pointing the direction for the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future. His remarks deeply resonated with all the attending representatives.

As Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, I was also greatly encouraged. China and Dominica have respected each other and treated each other as equals since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The bilateral relations developed with increasing political mutual trust, vigorous exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and with the deepening friendship between the two peoples. In 2024, the meeting between President Xi and Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Dominican Prime Minister, elevated bilateral ties to an all-time high. It is fair to say that China-Dominica relations have become a shining example within the broader framework of China-LAC relations.

Reflecting on the past, President Xi noted that China and LAC countries stand shoulder to shoulder and support each other. LAC countries that have diplomatic ties with China have been consistently committed to the one-China principle, and China firmly supports LAC countries in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and independence, and opposing external interference. It is heartening to see that the consensus “There is only one China in the world” is deeply rooted in Dominican society. As a trusted friend and reliable partner of China in the region, Dominica has consistently supported China’s just cause of complete national reunification and resolutely opposed any attempts to interfere in China’s internal affairs. Likewise, China has always backed Dominica’s independence and development, and attaches great importance to its core interests and major concerns.

China and LAC countries ride the tide of progress together to pursue win-win cooperation. Embracing the trend of economic globalization, the two sides have deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, infrastructure, and many other fields and carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. With our joint efforts and shared witness, China-aided projects such as the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Windsor Park Sports Stadium, the West Coast Road, and the Agricultural Science Complex have become important landmarks of bilateral cooperation. Chinese medical teams and agricultural experts in Dominica continue to bring tangible benefits to the daily lives and livelihoods of the local people.

China and LAC countries unite in tough times to conquer challenges through mutual support. The two sides have collaborated on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and on joint response to hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters as well as the pandemic of the century. We remember fondly Dominica’s generous contributions to China’s recovery efforts following the Wenchuan earthquake and to poverty alleviation in Yunnan. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, China was among the first to offer support for Dominica’s recovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our two countries exchanged solidarity and shared vaccines, medicines, and other supplies. These moments are a testament to the invaluable friendship between our peoples.

China and LAC countries uphold solidarity and coordination and rise to global challenges with resolve. The two sides champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, advance global governance reform, and promote multipolarization of the world and greater democracy in international relations. We are keenly aware that both China and Dominica are members of the Global South and developing countries. As such, we have consistently coordinated and cooperated on the international stage, standing together in firm support of true multilateralism, actively addressing challenges such as climate change and unilateral coercion, and resolutely safeguarding our shared interests.

Looking to the future, President Xi expressed China’s readiness to join hands with LAC partners to launch five programs that advance shared development and revitalization, and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future.

The Solidarity Program aims to consolidate political foundation. China will work with Dominica to continue to support each other on issues bearing on their respective core interests and major concerns, firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and to speak with one voice in international and regional affairs. In the next three years, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China. We welcome like-minded Dominican political party members to engage with us and exchange governance experience.

The Development Program aims to promote common prosperity. China will work with Dominica to implement the Global Development Initiative. We will resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation. They will foster greater synergy between their development strategies and expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Under the Belt and Road framework, both sides will continue to deepen practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education. We look forward to the early opening of the new international airport, the sounds of students returning to post-hurricane reconstruction schools, and the launch of more flagship projects symbolizing China-Dominica cooperation.

The Civilization Program aims to deepen mutual learning between civilizations. China will work with Dominica to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We will 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. In the future, we will welcome more Chinese cultural and arts troupes to Dominica for joint performances with local artists, showcasing our vibrant cultures and strengthening enduring ties between our peoples.

The Peace Program aims to promote regional stability. China will work with Dominica to implement the Global Security Initiative. The two sides will cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organized crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region.

The People-to-People Connectivity Program aims to promote people-to-people friendship. In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge program. China will initiate 300 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education. Already, many Dominican students and professionals have benefited from such programs, pursuing studies and training in China. Chinese-aided playground equipment and sports gear have also brought joy to local communities. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Dominica to maximize these opportunities.

As President Xi states, no matter how the world changes, China will always stand by LAC countries as a good friend and a good partner. With enormous potential and broad prospects, China-LAC cooperation is poised to thrive. China will work hand in hand with Dominica to implement the outcomes of this meeting and further elevate bilateral cooperation—making the China-Dominica relationship a shining example for the region.