‘South–South cooperation with Chinese characteristics’: On the 10th anniversary of the China–CELAC Forum

The concept of ‘South-South cooperation,’ which dates back to the Cold War, has received a new impetus in the 21st century. In this context, China occupies a unique place, as its very identification with the Global South under modern conditions is a subject of intense debate in the academic and political circles. The PRC asserts that its foreign policy is largely determined by the historical experience of Third World countries oppressed by the North. Therefore, it is inherently close to and aligned with the interests of the Global South. The Belt and Road Initiative serves as the foundation of this ‘South–South cooperation with Chinese characteristics’ model, with so-called forum diplomacy as an important instrument for its practical implementation. A striking example is the China — Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To assess the results of this forum’s work and identify the specifics of the PRC’s interaction with Latin American countries, the author first examines the process of institutionalizing China — Latin America relations, primarily through the China–CELAC Forum ministerial meetings, and then identifies the main problems that hinder the full use of the potential of ‘South–South cooperation’ in this context. The author focuses on the policies of Donald J. Trump’s administration, which seeks not so much to establish contacts with Latin American countries as to drive a wedge between them and China. Meanwhile, China is now demonstrating much greater persistence in implementing its projects in the region than ever before, positioning itself as a voice of the Global South. All this poses new challenges for Latin American states, narrowing the space for maneuvering and implementing a policy of equidistance. Nevertheless, South–South cooperation with China could not only bring economic benefits to these countries but also, especially with the consistent realization of the potential of forum diplomacy, enhance their political agency on the global ‘chessboard’.