Xi warns against undermining Latin America 'zone of peace'

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned against actions that undermine the status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a "zone of peace," emphasizing the region's right to pursue independent development and cooperation without external interference. Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on social media.

"China always maintains that the status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace should not be undermined, that their path toward development and revitalization should not be interrupted, and that their right to independently choose cooperation partners should not be interfered with," Xi was quoted as saying. He said that China supports Latin American nations in upholding independence to carry out international cooperation in light of their own national interests, and safeguard regional peace and stability.

Strategic partnership anniversary

Xi stated that Beijing always views its relations with Ecuador from a strategic and long-term perspective, and will work with Ecuador to bring bilateral relations to "new heights." He noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, which established formal diplomatic ties in January 1980.

Noboa arrived in Beijing on Sunday for his first eight-day state visit to China. The current bilateral trade volume between the two countries stands at $17.33 billion, according to official data.