China and Latin America Explore Shared Path to Modernization at Lima Forum
Lima, Peru – November 6, 2024 – Leaders from China and Latin America gathered in Lima, engaging in meaningful discussions about the future of modernization and development. The 2024 Forum on Dialogue between the Civilizations of China and Latin America and the Caribbean brought together over 150 participants, including government officials, scholars, and business leaders, to explore shared goals and challenges.
The forum, themed “Civilizational Heritage and Modern Development,” highlighted the common ground between the two regions, both considered members of the Global South.
"China and Latin American countries, as members of the Global South, share similar development goals and philosophies," noted Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group. "As treasures of the world, both Chinese and Latin American civilizations must balance tradition with innovation to thrive in the modern world. We must actively share our experiences, ensuring cultural continuity while exploring unique paths to modernization, accelerating technological development, and jointly creating lasting civilizational achievements with global impact," he added.
Karina Batthyány, executive secretary at the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), lauded China’s own path to modernization, emphasizing its success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty and establishing itself as a global economic powerhouse.
"China has steadfastly pursued its own path to modernization," Batthyány stated. "With nearly one fifth of the world’s population and a quarter of its workforce, China has achieved steady growth over the past 40 years at a pace that has impressed regions like [Latin America and the Caribbean]." She underscored the importance of learning from China’s example, emphasizing a people-centered and domestically driven approach to modernization rather than one imposed externally for the benefit of a select few.
María Fernanda Pampín, director of the Publication Department at CLACSO, described China’s modernization path as a “new model for global development,” a historic milestone offering fresh possibilities for nations worldwide. She predicted that China’s modernization’s influence on global development theory and its broader implications for human society would only grow more significant in the years to come.
Professor Kang Zhen, vice president of Beijing Normal University, highlighted the burgeoning opportunities for collaboration between China and Latin America in pursuing modernization through cultural exchange and South-South cooperation.
The forum was jointly organized by China’s State Council Information Office, Peru’s Ministry of Culture, and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament.
This meeting in Lima underscores a growing global trend of collaboration between developing nations, seeking to learn from each other’s experiences and chart their own course toward a sustainable and equitable future.
## China and Latin America: Forging a Shared Path to Modernization
**Lima, peru** – A spirit of collaboration and mutual learning permeated the 2024 forum on Dialog between the Civilizations of china and Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Lima, Peru. Over 150 participants,including government officials,academics,and business leaders,convened to explore the theme ”Civilizational Heritage and Modern Development,” seeking common ground in navigating the complexities of modernization in the 21st century.
This forum brought together prominent voices from both regions, including **Karina Batthyány**, Executive Secretary of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and **María Fernanda Pampín**, Director of the Publication Department at CLACSO, who offered unique perspectives on China’s development trajectory and its implications for Latin America. Joining them was **Professor Kang Zhen**, Vice President of Beijing Normal University, who emphasized the potential for collaborative innovation through cultural exchange.
This expert interview delves into the key takeaways from the Lima Forum, exploring China’s model of modernization, its impact on global development discourse, and the opportunities for South-south cooperation between China and Latin America.
### A Shared Vision for Development
**WTN:** What are the key factors driving the increasing dialogue and cooperation between China and Latin America?
**Karina Batthyány:** Both regions identify strongly with the concerns and aspirations of the Global South. We share common challenges such as poverty reduction, sustainable development, and asserting our agency in a multipolar world. China’s successful poverty alleviation efforts and its rise as a global economic power hold valuable lessons for nations in latin America striving for similar progress.
**Professor Kang Zhen:** There’s a growing recognition that traditional development models are frequently enough ill-suited to the diverse contexts of the Global South. Both China and Latin America are actively seeking innovative and culturally sensitive approaches to modernization,emphasizing local knowledge and ownership.
### Learning From China’s trajectory
**WTN:** How do you assess the significance of China’s development model for Latin america?
**María Fernanda Pampín:**
>China presents a “new model for global development,” achieving remarkable economic growth while prioritizing social equity. This offers a powerful alternative to Western-centric models often characterized by inequality and exploitation.
**Karina Batthyány:** China’s experience underscores the importance of a people-centered approach to modernization. It’s not about imposing external solutions but about empowering communities to identify and drive their own development agenda.
**WTN:** What specific aspects of China’s development model could be notably relevant to Latin American nations?
**Professor Kang Zhen:** China’s emphasis on infrastructure development, technology transfer, and human capital investment holds tremendous potential for Latin America. Collaborative projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation can create win-win scenarios for both regions.
### South-south Collaboration: A path Forward
**WTN:** How can China and Latin America best leverage South-South cooperation to accelerate their modernization journeys?
**María Fernanda Pampín:** Shared platforms for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint research initiatives are essential. The Lima Forum itself exemplifies the power of dialogue and collaboration in identifying shared challenges and developing innovative solutions.
**Professor Kang Zhen:**
>Cultural exchange plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges of trust. We need to invest in programs that promote the exchange of ideas, artistic expression, and educational opportunities between our societies.
**WTN:** What are your predictions for the future of China-Latin America relations and their collective impact on the world stage?
**karina Batthyány**: I foresee a deepening partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable global order. This burgeoning South-South cooperation has the potential to reshape development paradigms and offer new avenues for progress in the 21st century.
**The Lima Forum serves as a testament to the growing spirit of collaboration between China and Latin America. As both regions actively shape their own paths to modernization, they offer valuable insights and forge new pathways for sustainable and equitable development for themselves and the world.**
**What are your thoughts on the future of South-South cooperation? Share your insights in the comments below.**
**For further reading, explore our articles on:**
* China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on Latin America.
* Latin America’s economic diversification strategies.
* The role of cultural exchange in fostering international cooperation.
