Highlights of speeches of global leaders at forum
Henan Daily
Zhengzhou There is a concept that is increasingly being built and repeated — a concept that China has put forth: the dialogue of civilizations.
This stands in contrast to a far-right thesis that has emerged from American sociology, put forward by Samuel Huntington, which posits a clash of civilizations.
It is a concept that decisively moves us toward the possibility of a united humanity, built upon its own diversity. But why do we want a united humanity? Not only for peace — though peace is the fruit of a united humanity — but because we can look even further.
This horizontal dialogue, unlike the vertical one, can be free of authoritarianism, free of imperialism — a true peer-to-peer interaction among civilizations. In this, Europe and Africa would play a fundamental role on one side, and China and Asia on the other.
The partnership with China is a dynamic element crucial for the regional economy. The Chinese demand triggered the growth that we have experienced in the beginning of this century.
The imposition of arbitrary tariffs only aggravates the situation to build a shared future.
It is indispensable that the cooperation between CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and China will contribute to strengthening the manufacturing industry and innovation in the region.
The digital revolution cannot create a new technological abyss between nations. The development of artificial intelligence should not be the privilege of just a few countries.
Together with China, we can show the world that it is possible to contain climate change without abandoning economic growth and social fairness.
From Chile, in these turbulent times, we come to reaffirm our deep conviction that free and fair trade, in service of our peoples, is the path to progress and the development of nations. We come to reaffirm that multilateralism, dialogue — not unilateral impositions — is the way to confront the challenges facing humanity.
The initiative we collectively adopted in 2015 by establishing this CELAC-China Forum — then inaugurated by President Xi Jinping — points in the direction we believe is urgently needed today: cooperation, dialogue, joint action and concrete measures to strengthen multilateralism, and the diversification of our economies and trade partnerships.
And we want to meet with all peoples, not be forced to choose one over another.
Unilateralism represents a step backward. It replaces the rule of law with brutal force and cooperation with imposition. In the face of this, we must reaffirm fundamental values: multilateralism, mutual respect, shared prosperity and rejection of protectionism.
China’s stance, in this context, has set an example for the Global South. China has firmly pursued its own development without hegemonic ambitions. It cooperates and respects. It does not threaten or coerce.
Moreover, China maintains an open posture toward the Global South by sharing know-how and technology. It breaks the policies of the powers that seek to maintain technological monopolies through “small yards and high fences”.
