The recent 2024 China-Latin America Youth Development Forum and International Youth Cultural Exchange Dialogue took place in Dunhuang, Gansu, bringing together nearly 70 youth representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean to interact with Chinese youth scholars and entrepreneurs. The focus of the discussions was on “strengthening cultural exchange and working together for common development.”

Despite the considerable distance between China and Latin America, the two regions share a long and vibrant history of friendship and cultural exchange, which continues to thrive today. This forum highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance cultural collaboration and foster deeper ties.

Dunhuang’s significance as a historical crossroads along the ancient Silk Road facilitated a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. During the Han Dynasty, Dunhuang County was established, evolving into a vital center for trade and culture in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The recent forum marked yet another chapter in this legacy of cultural exchange, allowing young participants to share innovative ideas and invigorate cultural cooperation.

Yared Rizk Covarrubias, chair of the Chinese New Year Cultural Festival at Mexico’s National Art Center, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’ve developed a keen interest in history thanks to China’s profound culture, and I am eager to learn more about the cultural traditions of Mexico. I hope to have more opportunities for deeper exchanges with my Chinese friends in the future to solidify our friendship and enhance our understanding.”

Joan Alfa, director of the Office of the Governor of San Martin in Peru, emphasized the shared heritage between Peru and China. “Both nations inherit ancient, magnificent civilizations, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites,” she noted. “The strong cultural ties connecting us provide immense benefits through mutual exchange.”

The foundation of strong diplomatic relations lies in interpersonal connections, which flourish through shared understanding. The collaboration between China and Latin America embodies this spirit of friendship and cooperation, echoing the bonds formed along the Silk Road. Fostering educational exchanges, cultural cooperation, and grassroots interactions enhances a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue.

The Belt and Road Initiative is playing a crucial role in promoting people-to-people exchanges. In 2017, Latin America officially joined the initiative, with Panama being the first country to sign a memorandum of understanding. Currently, China has established roughly 180 sister city relationships with 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations, leading to an increase in student exchanges and diversifying cultural interactions.

The China-Latin America Forum has proven to be a strong platform for cultural exchanges, with cooperative dialogue covering various fields over the past decade, including infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and youth initiatives. Recent programs, like the China-Latin America News Exchange Center and “China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year,” have further enriched the friendship between the regions.

In 2023, cultural collaboration intensified, highlighted by a new group of Latin American journalists visiting China for training and a cultural carnival held in Beijing, which attracted ambassadors and representatives from several Latin American countries.

Argentine Ambassador to China, Marcos Zuvic, commented on the cooperation between the two regions, stating, “China and Argentina have become a model for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, particularly in Latin America. One of my core missions is to bring our two peoples closer together.”

The enthusiasm for cultural exchange continues to grow. Diego Pérez, a 16-year-old student from Chile, recently excelled in the “Chinese Bridge” competition, showcasing his passion for the Chinese language through a Sichuan opera performance. “Chinese is truly a unique and fascinating language, and I am deeply attracted to Chinese culture,” Pérez shared, hoping to inspire others to learn the language and promote Chilean culture in China.

The historical exchanges between China and Peru can be traced back over 400 years, beginning with early Chinese immigrants. In Lima, a renowned Chinese restaurant, “CHIFA UNION,” celebrates its centenary this November, a testament to the enduring influence of Chinese culture in Peru.

As cultural collaboration deepens, more Latin American countries recognize the Belt and Road Initiative as an essential platform for international cooperation. With these two rich regions drawing closer, the path of friendship and collaboration across the Pacific is destined to broaden, fostering deeper understanding and more diverse exchanges between the peoples of China and Latin America, ultimately contributing to the vision of a community with a shared future.