China and Latin America forge partnership for shared modernization

On November 6, 2024, a significant event took place in Lima, Peru, where the 2024 Forum on Dialogue between the Civilizations of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was held. This forum attracted over 150 participants from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, scholars, and business leaders from China and several Latin American nations. The overarching theme of the forum, 'Civilizational Heritage and Modern Development,' aimed to foster cultural exchanges and collaborative modernization efforts. This initiative reflects the increasing importance of cross-regional cooperation among members of the Global South, particularly in the context of shared development goals and philosophies. Gao Anming, the editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, articulated a vision for balancing tradition and innovation as essential for thriving in a modern context. He underscored the mutual value of civilizations, describing both Chinese and Latin American cultures as treasures that contribute significantly to the global narrative. He further emphasized the need for these regions to exchange experiences that facilitate cultural continuity while navigating unique pathways to modernization, highlighting technological advancements and the potential for new civilizational achievements. Another key speaker, Karina Batthyány, the executive secretary of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), remarked on China's successful modernization initiatives, which have brought about substantial poverty alleviation and economic growth. She pointed out that with nearly one-fifth of the world's population, China has set a precedent that could inform modernization strategies in LAC nations. Batthyány stressed that such modernization efforts should be centered on the people and driven domestically rather than imposed from external entities that favor a select few. Moreover, María Fernanda Pampín, director of the Publication Department at CLACSO, noted that China's development strategy has created a novel model for global progress, representing a milestone in international development theory. Pampín predicted that the influence of Chinese modernization on global development discourse will continue to grow over time, impacting broader aspects of human society. Finally, Kang Zhen, vice president of Beijing Normal University, shared insights into how cultural exchanges and South-South cooperation have provided new avenues for modernization efforts. This forum was jointly overseen by China's State Council Information Office, Peru's Ministry of Culture, and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration.