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Atlantic
3 hours ago
- Business
- Atlantic
The Iran-China-Russia Axis Crumbles When It Matters
As Israel and then the United States battered Iran this month, the reaction from China and Russia was surprisingly muted. For years, shared antagonism toward the U.S. has been pushing China, Russia, and Iran together. All three benefit from embarrassing the West in Ukraine and the Middle East, and widening the gaps between Washington and Europe. So after Israel's first strike, on June 13, China—the strongest partner in the anti-America triad—could have been expected to rush short-range missiles and other air-defense equipment to Iran. Surely, Beijing would use its growing diplomatic muscle to isolate Israel and the U.S., demand an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, and introduce a resolution deploring the two governments that were attacking China's ally. Instead, recent events in Iran have revealed that anti-Americanism can bind an alliance together only so much. After ritually denouncing Israel's first strike as 'b razen ' and a ' violation of Iran's sovereignty, ' Beijing proceeded cautiously, emphasizing the need for diplomacy instead of further assigning blame. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi refrained from condemning Israel's actions, in a call with his Israeli counterpart on June 14, and President Xi Jinping waited four days before calling for 'd e-escalation ' and declaring that 'China stands ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.' After Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing's foreign-affairs spokesperson stressed—in what looked like a warning to Iran —that the Persian Gulf is a crucial global trade route for goods and energy, and called for partners to 'prevent the regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic growth.' In calmer times, China, like Russia, is happy to use Iran as a battering ram against the U.S. and its allies. But when tensions turn into military confrontation and global stability is at risk, backing Iran looks like a far less sensible investment to Beijing than preserving its own economic and diplomatic relations with the West. China's mild reaction isn't just a blow to Iran; it may also suggest that the much ballyhooed 'no limits' partnership between Xi and Russia's President Vladimir Putin might not be as sturdy as Moscow and Beijing advertise. Iran, Russia, and China have different ideologies, political regimes, and strategic aims. Iran's relations with its two larger partners are wildly asymmetric. China, for example, is Iran's lifeline. It buys about 90 percent of Iran's oil and supplies materials and technologies central to Iran's weapons development. Yet the trading relationship matters less to China, which gets only about 10 percent of its oil from Iran. Plus, China has an economy more than 40 times as large, and it does far more business with the U.S. and the European Union. Russia has interests that similarly diverge from Iran's, and it, too, has conspicuously refrained from coming to the Islamic Republic's aid. But China following a similar approach toward Iran likely does not please Moscow. Although Moscow's relations with Beijing are less lopsided than Tehran's are, Russia's economy is still less than one-eighth the size of China's. One-third of Russia's state budget comes from oil sales, and China is the largest customer by far. Russia also depends on Chinese supplies for its war machine. This past March, the G7 foreign ministers called China a ' decisive enabler ' of Russia's war in Ukraine. But should the Kremlin begin to run out of money or soldiers, China's willingness to bail out its ally is very much in doubt. Even among authoritarian regimes, differences in values can limit cooperation. In 2023, Xi called Russia's 1917 October Revolution a 'cannon blast' that 'brought Marxism-Leninism to China, demonstrating the way forward and offering a new choice for the Chinese people who were seeking a way to save China from subjugation.' Putin, despite his formative years in the Soviet-era KGB, now laments the fall of the Russian empire and describes Vladimir Lenin's coup as the deed of 'political adventurists and foreign forces' who 'divided the country and tore it apart for selfish benefit.' The head of China's Communist Party may resent Putin's reduction of its Russian counterpart—the country's second-largest party—to the status of another bit player in Russia's rubber-stamping parliament. Since World War II, leaders of Western democracies have successfully collaborated in part because they have shared a common worldview. Whether Iran's Islamic theocrats can say the same about Xi, the leader of an avowedly atheist state, or Putin, who now positions himself as the champion of Orthodox Christianity, is another question entirely. Beijing's response to Iran's predicament ought to make the West feel cautiously optimistic. If Donald Trump finally learns to distinguish the aggressor from the victim—or at least realizes that Putin has been playing him—the U.S. president could support Ukraine in earnest without worrying much about China expanding its assistance to Russia. As long as both Iran and Russia keep providing cheap oil and antagonizing the West and its allies, they are serving China's purposes. But at least for now, Beijing looks unlikely to back either of its supposed partners if they jeopardize China's interest in stability or its extensive and profitable relations with the West.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
China's $50 billion chip fund switches tack to fight US curbs
China 's main chip investment fund is planning to focus on the country's key shortcomings in sectors like lithography and semiconductor design software, adjusting its approach to better overcome US efforts to stop its technological advances. The third phase of the state-backed National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, better known as Big Fund III , will focus on backing local companies and projects in areas considered bottlenecks to technological advances, people familiar with the matter said. That includes lithography systems, where Dutch firm ASML Holding NV dominates, and chip design tools, an arena controlled by US companies Cadence Design Systems Inc. and Synopsys Inc. The new vehicle has so far secured only a portion of the 344 billion yuan ($48 billion) of capital it originally sought when first created more than a year ago as Beijing is being more cautious with its semiconductor bets, according to the people, though the shortfall should be temporary. The Big Fund III plans to hold its investments for a longer period compared to the two previous phases, they said, declining to be named discussing a private government initiative. A years long US-led campaign to curb China's access to chips, equipment and software has appeared to stall Beijing's ambitions in semiconductors, essential to creating cutting-edge AI. Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared the elimination of such choke-points a top priority, particularly as local artificial intelligence players including DeepSeek and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. are trying to compete on the global stage with deep-pocketed US rivals such as OpenAI in a critical field. China's Big Fund for years sprinkled capital throughout most sectors of the semiconductor industry, from leading manufacturers such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp . to small design companies. It's now adopting a more targeted approach, after massive investments during the fund's first two phases failed to deliver real breakthroughs beyond a surprisingly sophisticated Huawei Technologies Co. mobile processor in 2023. Big Fund III is preparing to make its first major investments in coming months, the people said. Part of its directive is to spur industry consolidation, through deal-making or otherwise, they added. If the new vehicle achieves the scale it originally aimed for, it will be China's largest-ever semiconductor fund, bigger than the previous two phases combined. It counts China's Ministry of Finance, state-owned banks and several local government-backed funds as limited partners, according to corporate data provider Tianyancha. It's created three sub-funds to help identify investment targets throughout the supply chain, the people said. China's Ministry of Finance did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Messages to an email for Big Fund III listed on Tianyancha went unanswered. It's unclear whether the fund's managers have identified potential investment or deal targets. Some of the biggest names in China's chipmaking equipment space include Shanghai Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Development Co., which holds an 11% stake in privately-held lithography machine maker Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment Group Co. Chinese media outlets have also speculated that Huawei eventually wants to build its own lithography machines, required to make cutting-edge AI chips that can rival Nvidia Corp.'s offerings. Empyrean Technology Co. is one of Chinese's best hopes of competing with leading global chip design software providers including Cadence and Synopsys. China's national chip fund was inaugurated about a decade ago with roughly 100 billion yuan in capital, and has since spearheaded the state's investments in all things semiconductors. It's serving as an important signal of Beijing's policy imperatives, as well as a scorecard for government endorsement. In recent years though, it's faced setbacks in achieving its mission, both internal and external. The US banned Nvidia from selling its best AI accelerators to China, while allies such as Japan and the Netherlands have joined the campaign to ringfence the country's tech sector. Stung by a lack of scientific achievement, Beijing initiated a series of anti-graft probes into top chip industry officers in 2022.
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Civil servants in China are avoiding dining out: What's the reason?
Civil servants across China are avoiding dining out—even in private settings. The reason? A renewed push for Beijing's austerity campaign, due to which many officials are adopting a better safe than sorry approach to manage risk under local interpretations of central directives, according to a report by South China Morning Post. Chinese President Xi Jinping's long-running campaign against wasteful spending gained fresh momentum in March, with inspectors sent across ministries, regional governments and state-owned enterprises to ensure compliance with newly revised rules. These include bans on alcohol at work meals, luxurious dishes, and excessive office décor. What is Xi Jinping's austerity drive? Launched in 2012, Xi Jinping's austerity drive aims to curb corruption, extravagance and bureaucratic excess within the Communist Party. Initiated through the 'Eight-point Regulation', it targets lavish banquets, excessive travel, luxury offices and formalism, promoting frugality and discipline among officials. The campaign intended to restore public trust, consolidate Xi's authority, and ensure the Party's survival by improving its image and internal conduct. It also serves to identify loyal cadres and enforce political conformity. How much restriction is too much restriction? Although central directives do not ban all forms of socialising, the fear of being caught out by ever-changing interpretations has led to widespread self-censorship among officials. An official surnamed Luo from Sichuan province told South China Morning Post that a dine-out ban was announced in his department in early May. 'Eating out during this period is not good for you,' he said, citing his department head's warning. Luo described the development as a result of ceng ceng jia ma, a Mandarin phrase meaning 'adding extra layer upon layer of control'. It is widely understood in Chinese bureaucracy to describe the tendency of local authorities to excessively implement central policies, often to the point of overcorrection. The report cited another civil servant from Anhui province, who said her department had begun daily alcohol tests, coupled with post-lunch checks. 'It is just very intrusive and I don't know what the point of that is,' she told South China Morning Post. 'If I drank last night, you probably can't detect it by next morning.' One-size-fits-all response becomes the norm In Gansu province, an official surnamed Zhao said he had stopped dining out completely after being instructed to avoid 20 types of gatherings. 'This is too troublesome and too risky,' he told South China Morning Post. 'You never know what kind of dinner or entertainment will land you in trouble. The best way is just to turn down everything.' Zhao shared an example from a multiple-choice quiz issued by his disciplinary head. When asked what to do if a promoted superior's son is getting married, the 'correct' answer was to offer congratulations but not attend the banquet—an answer that contradicts longstanding cultural norms around red-envelope gifting. Luo, the Sichuan official, added that several colleagues received 'gentle reminders' from supervisors for simply eating hotpot together, despite splitting the bill. 'Our boss is trying to protect us,' Luo explained. 'If some whistle-blowers report them, they will have lots of explanation to do.' Pushback against excessive control Top authorities have begun to push back against the intensification of austerity measures at local levels. A June 17 report in the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily cautioned that banning banquets altogether violated the spirit of Xi's eight-point regulations on party conduct. The article stressed that the rules are meant to be applied with precision—like a 'scalpel'—but some local bodies were wielding them like a 'sledgehammer', imposing blanket bans and ignoring livelihoods. The country's food and drink industry, which generated over 5.5 trillion yuan ($775 billion) and more than 30 million jobs in 2024, was also highlighted as being at risk. Party chiefs Ma Xingrui of Xinjiang and Sun Shaocheng of Inner Mongolia echoed the message, urging officials to avoid ceng ceng jia ma and ensure the campaign is not enforced with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Independent Singapore
4 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore urges calm as PM Wong calls for balance in a world caught between superpowers
CHINA: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's prominent official visit to China, his first sanctioned tour outside Southeast Asia since taking office in May, has underscored Southeast Asia's larger diplomatic plan—an expanding commitment to multilateralism amidst growing ambiguity about U.S. engagement in the region. According to the latest SCMP report, the five-day trip, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of China-Singapore ambassadorial bonds, comes on the heels of a robust electoral triumph for Wong's dominant party. A strategic debut: Wong's China visit signals ASEAN's priorities Speaking at the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in Tianjin, Wong stressed the value of overhauling old-fashioned global agendas to mirror today's digital and economic realities. He mentioned Singapore's initiatives, along with those of Japan and Australia, to formulate innovative global guidelines for e-commerce. This effort now has the support of more than 70 nations, as a classic example of realistic and logical collaboration among 'like-minded' states. 'This is painstaking work, but there is no alternative,' Wong said. 'A new system doesn't appear by magic—you have to build it.' See also World Bank Growth Forecast Down for Asia Xi's multipolar vision meets ASEAN caution Chinese President Xi Jinping resonated similar demands for fighting 'unilateral bullying' and being on 'the right side of history,' indirectly disparaging U.S. trade protectionism. Nevertheless, specialists continue to be doubtful about whether China will support its pomposity with practical policy changes. Chin-Hao Huang, a political science professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, noted that ASEAN's objectives are to diminish geopolitical aggression, endorse negotiations, and preserve a rules-based order, which aligns with Wong's message. 'To what extent is China going to live up to the expectations of being a responsible stakeholder,' he said. The U.S., Huang added, has shown diverse indicators, hesitating between advocating transnational guidelines and withdrawing into separatist tactics. This contradiction, predominantly under President Donald Trump, has deepened ASEAN's drive to strengthen regional multilateral institutions without over-dependence on any global force. ASEAN hedging in an era of great power rivalry As the U.S. commitment falters, Southeast Asia appears to be silently reassessing, reframing its allegiances, and changing course. A recent Foreign Affairs article contended that nations across the region are 'gradually but discernibly' slanting toward China, even as many profess noninvolvement. Scholars Yuen Foong Khong and Joseph Liow found that while Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have continued to adopt successful evasion approaches, others, such as Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, are evidently aligned with China. See also PM Lee: ASEAN may have to choose sides in US-China standoff Benjamin Ho from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies clarified that Wong wanted to prompt China that a firm and unchanging, rules-based structure would benefit Beijing just as much as its neighbors. 'Given the uncertainty of American commitment to the region, countries in the region, including China, have the responsibility to sort of ensure that the multilateral order doesn't vanish or get totally wrecked,' he stated. Wong recapped Singapore's pledge to maintain solid and durable ties with all major powers, including the U.S., EU, India, and Japan. This calculated balancing act, predictors infer, allows Singapore to function as a political conduit in a progressively diverged world. The future of multilateralism: Rhetoric or reality? While Wong's visit produced new commitments to strengthen and develop bilateral collaboration in areas such as AI, green finance, and digital trade, questions remain about the usefulness of what he calls 'flexible multilateralism.' The model highlights flexible, consensus-driven collaboration among eager partners, distinct from the unyielding, obsolete international institutions that have fought in order to advance. See also Carey Island to get mega port However, with the United States withdrawing from free trade treaties like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and even halting WTO subsidies, many ASEAN adherents are turning to China-led efforts, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, to sustain economic impetus. 'The global economic configuration has changed,' Huang said. 'China is now the world's second-largest economy, and Southeast Asia must adjust to reflect that reality, without abandoning the principles that have underpinned its growth and stability.' To that end, Singapore's message is strong and clear-cut—it is not picking sides, but defending and supporting a multilateral future that is adaptable, wide-ranging, and well-matched to a world that is no longer defined exclusively by post-World War II institutions.
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Times: A roundtable across 18,000 kilometers sparks broad attention through its exchange of thoughts and global perspectives
NEW YORK, June 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 'Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Roundtable Forum of China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries' were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday local time. Attendees from the political, academic, media and business sectors of China and LAC countries conducted in-depth discussions on topics including cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, technological advancement and green development, BRICS and the Global South, as well as media transformation and think tank exchanges. The Global Times Research Institute (GTI) also released the results of the first mutual perception survey between China and LAC countries during the forum. In recent years, China-LAC cooperation has shown strong momentum. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, where he said that China and Latin America are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future and announced that the two sides would jointly launch five programs of solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity, which provided clear direction for building a China-Latin America community with a shared future in the new stage. As important members of the Global South, China and the LAC countries have been enhancing mutual understanding and promoting mutual learning, in a bid to deepen and expand cooperation. Ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro, the Global Times, together with Brasil 247 and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, jointly organized the event to take concrete actions to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and contribute media strength to building the 'five programs' between China and LAC countries. Fan Zhengwei, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, said in his welcome speech that China and LAC are writing a new chapter of joint development for the Global South. This event is a vivid embodiment of efforts by academia and media on both sides to deepen cooperation, enhance exchanges, and strengthen friendship. Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the Global South is no longer merely a geographical concept, but embodies a development aspiration, a vision for cooperation, and a historical trend. The upgrading of China-LAC relations and the development of the Global South require joint fostering from governments, local authorities, friendship associations, and people from all walks of life. As a Chinese media outlet, the Global Times has long committed itself to bridging China and the world and is honored to help build a bridge of people-to-people connectivity between China and Latin America, Fan said. Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, said in his speech that the world today faces major conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and serious threats to humanity's future. Amid such instability, Brazil and China have become two important pillars of global peace. Both countries uphold rationality and balance, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, advocate multilateralism, and actively seek to resolve disputes through negotiation in all diplomatic settings. China-Brazil cooperation should be extended to more critical areas, including universities that nurture intellectual capital, think tanks that support long-term strategy, and media platforms that help spread culture and dispel bias and misunderstanding, he said. Roberto Medronho, president of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, said during his speech that China and Brazil have played important roles in international exchanges over the more than 50 years since they established diplomatic ties. He noted that Brazil has learned a great deal from China and hopes to continue doing so. At the same time, Brazil also has much to contribute to China. 'We do this not only for bilateral interests, but also to build a more peaceful world,' he said. Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil, said via video that both China and Latin America are important members of the Global South. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Over the past decade, strategic mutual trust has deepened, pragmatic cooperation has expanded, and the bonds of friendship have been steadily strengthened. As the largest developing countries in their respective hemispheres, China and Brazil, under the strategic guidance of President Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have entered a 'golden period' of building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies, Zhu said. Zhu pointed out that China is ready to work with Brazil to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and further enhance exchanges in culture, education, tourism, media, and local affairs, enriching the bilateral relationship with contemporary significance. The forum featured in-depth discussions on four key issues of mutual concern. Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao stated that these exchanges will help further consolidate development consensus within the Global South and contribute intellectual support to the success of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, said in a video address that the Brazil-China friendship has remained strong over time. President Lula's visit to China this year for the fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum has further deepened bilateral ties. Amid multiple global challenges and increasingly complex regional dynamics, exchanges between China and LAC countries in economic, trade, political, and cultural fields are crucial to the region's overall development and social prosperity, Amorim said. The forum covered four themes: 'Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilizations,' 'Green Development and Scientific Cooperation,' 'The Global South and Common Interests,' and 'Media Cooperation and Think Tank Exchange.' The rich and diverse range of topics drew enthusiastic responses from the participating guests, who unanimously agreed that as the Global South becomes an increasingly important force in driving the reform and improvement of the international order, this in-depth conversation, which brings together representatives from across China and Latin America, holds unique significance, and serves as an inspiring platform for promoting the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future and offers a new channel for strengthening unity and cooperation within the Global South. Many guests told reporters on-site that they were honored to participate in the event, noting that Brazil and China have much to learn from each other. Elizabete Souza, who works for a Brazilian media outlet, said, 'This forum was rich in content and truly impressive. It was one of the most valuable learning experiences I've ever had. I look forward to more opportunities to participate in future China-Latin America exchange activities.' Cultural exchange promotes heartfelt connections The friendship between China and Latin America has deep historical roots. Though separated by great distances, as the saying goes, 'Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations' — the two regions have maintained sincere exchanges and cooperation. In recent years, as the Belt and Road Initiative advances, cooperation among Global South countries grows more diverse, and platforms such as the China-CELAC Forum take shape, cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations have become key pillars of China-Latin America relations. Amid the complexity of global information flows, both sides are eager to break stereotypes and present authentic and multidimensional images of their civilizations. Marcio Pochmann, President of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), stated that we are living through a time of profound change - possibly the most significant transformation in the past 400 years. The center of global gravity is shifting from West to East, and from the Global North to the Global South. In this context, Global South nations must reflect on their roles, reconstruct their identities, and embark on a new enlightenment. This will help us draw closer, strengthen connections, and challenge the long-standing Western dominance in knowledge, politics, and information, Pochmann said. Maria Luisa Campos, Honorary President of the Latin American Television Network, noted that in today's world, connections between countries are often measured by metrics like export volumes and infrastructure connectivity. Yet there is another, less visible but longer-lasting dimension: the shared narratives we are building together. According to Campos, over the past 20 years, ties between China and Latin America have grown closer. A true 'Southern perspective' means listening, respecting, and cooperating as equals. We are not merely telling stories - we are reflecting together on how to tell the story of 'who we are.' Brazilian actress, director, and producer Lucélia Santos stated that China and Brazil have now become vital trade partners, and culture, as a key driver of bilateral relations, plays an indispensable role. 'Culture is the most fundamental bridge for building trust and emotional connection between people. China and Brazil must make better use of digital platforms and truly step into each other's societies to understand one another's cultures and ways of life,' she said. Qiao Jianzhen, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Fluminense Federal University, emphasized that the essence of civilizational exchange is not one-way transmission, but equal dialogue, mutual appreciation, and shared learning. Against the backdrop of global challenges such as conflict and instability, dialogue between the civilizations of China and Latin America can offer valuable wisdom and diverse solutions. Leveraging complementary strengths to expand cooperation pathways As the world confronts climate change and advances sustainable development, green development and technological cooperation are becoming key pillars of strategic alignment between China and Latin American countries. China has made remarkable progress in new energy, photovoltaics, energy storage, and digitalization, while Latin America possesses abundant renewable resources and vast market potential. Faced with the dual demands of development and climate resilience, both sides are working to tap into and activate their complementary advantages in sustainable development to enable greener, more efficient cooperation. Daniel Filmus, Director of the Ibero-American Center for Research in Science, Technology, and Innovation of Argentina, stated that scientific cooperation helps build trust, address common challenges, and promote cross-cultural understanding. It is one of the most important forces for uniting nations and peoples. In the field of sustainable development, China and Latin American countries have clearly complementary natural resources and expertise. In this context, it is essential to incorporate collaboration in the social sciences and humanities, so that scientific achievements can be adapted to the specific national conditions and cultural realities of each country and region. Orlando Silva, Federal Deputy of Brazil, noted that Brazil and Latin America possess advantages and potential in energy transition, but still need progress in technological innovation to develop solutions suited to local conditions. Under these circumstances, strategic cooperation between China and Latin American countries is of immense value and can bring mutual benefits. China's leading position in digital technology and infrastructure provides a solid foundation for such cooperation. Tereza Campello, Director of Sustainability and Green Transition at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), reflected from a cross-sectoral perspective that the world is undergoing accelerated transformation - from trade disputes to armed conflicts, from the AI revolution to the reshaping of global value chains. 'Against this backdrop, we must seriously consider two key themes: the climate crisis and the rise of the Global South. China and Brazil are not only crucial players in tackling the climate crisis, but also leaders in building development models that are more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,' he said. João Valente, director of digital assets at Ambipar, shared insights on how businesses and governments can work together to advance green development. He stated that in Brazil today, any notion of 'development' that is not sustainable is essentially invalid. Brazilian companies no longer speak only of 'environmental protection' but of 'ecological restoration.' 'Protection' is becoming a concept of the past, as many ecological changes have reached irreversible stages. In light of this, Brazil is committed to helping every company find its role in the sustainable development agenda, he said. Huang Yehua, President of CNOOC Brazil emphasized that whether it is forests, freshwater, or biodiversity, these treasures hold immense potential for the future development of our planet. 'Only when every individual and enterprise actively participate can green development truly take root and flourish,' he said. South-South Cooperation Benefits the Peoples of China and LAC countries As important components of the Global South, China and the LAC countries are comprehensive cooperative partners based on equality, mutual benefit, and common development. The two sides share broad common interests in advancing multipolarity, reforming global governance, and addressing development imbalances. According to the speakers, under the new international context, China and the LAC countries should strengthen collaboration within multilateral mechanisms, leverage complementary strengths, promote joint development, and strive for greater rights and interests for developing countries. Francis Bogossian, president of the Clube de Engenharia do Brasil, stated that only through solidarity and cooperation can the strengths of different countries and sectors truly come together to advance global development. Today's Brazil urgently needs to integrate into global high-quality supply chains. 'As long as we uphold the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results, and work together in technological innovation, job creation, and international cooperation, we will certainly achieve tangible benefits for local communities.' Patricio Conejero Ortiz, director of Latin America-China Observatory (OLAC) at University of Buenos Aires, pointed out that unlike other forms of international alliances defined by territorial attributes or geographic proximity, the Global South is fundamentally built upon aligned development goals. In essence, the creation of the Global South is a necessary process to grant voice and representation to peoples historically excluded from the core of global decision-making. This space must be constructed through multiple dimensions, including politics, economy, culture, education, communication, and knowledge production. Monica Bruckmann, Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, remarked that the world today is undergoing a profound and decisive geopolitical transformation. Emerging nations of the Global South are rising rapidly. Many countries, including China, are gradually reshaping the global power structure. In the face of numerous challenges, the importance of South-South cooperation is becoming increasingly evident. It is a key driving force in the construction of a new global economic order, signifying new development paths and a redefinition of the global system. Xu Wenhong, deputy secretary general of the Belt and Road Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), stated that countries of the Global South share three major common interests: first, the aspiration for greater political discourse power and equal status; second, the desire to free themselves from Western constraints in economic and technological fields, to achieve economic growth and improve people's livelihoods; and third, the hope of jointly addressing global challenges. At the same time, the Global South faces unprecedented historic opportunities: first, the international landscape is trending in a favorable direction for the Global South; second, digital technologies and green transformation offer an opportunity to leapfrog development; and third, the practice of Chinese modernization has broken the Western mold, providing a new reference for the Global South to explore modernization paths suited to their national conditions. Media and Think Tanks Facilitate Deeper Integration Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global landscape and deepening South-South cooperation, media collaboration and think tank exchanges between China and Latin America are playing an increasingly irreplaceable role. In an era of rampant misinformation and intensifying cognitive divisions, how to help people overcome information barriers, foster deep integration, and accurately share stories of cooperation to dispel long-standing stereotypes became a shared concern among the speakers. Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, believes that without convergence in ideas, values, and worldviews, it is difficult to maintain strong and lasting economic and trade relations. Therefore, strengthening connections on the ideological and cultural levels is essential - and this requires joint efforts by universities, research institutions, think tanks, and a group of active Brazilian Sinologists. He emphasized that China's public communication is not driven by clickbait or emotional engagement, but rather aims at social stability and shared progress. The values promoted by China include poverty eradication, social cohesion, sustainable development, and international peace. Guided by these principles, China has built one of the most efficient and stable governance systems in the world today. Elias Jabbour, associate professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the State University of Rio de Janeiro stated that the most important tool of communication today is discourse power, which is also a key instrument of governance. Jabbour noted that China and Brazil share common interests and goals, which should extend beyond the economic and trade fields to encompass deeper cooperation in cultural, academic, and think tank domains. Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, professor at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, shared insights from the book Stories about Not Being Afraid of Ghosts, exploring how to confront the unknown and fear with calmness and courage. He believes these stories remind us to view reality with objectivity, scientific understanding, and fearlessness—rather than through illusions, misconceptions, or fear rooted in ignorance. He called on media and think tanks to play an active role in dispelling misunderstandings and promoting international understanding and cooperation. Song Yiran, People's Daily journalist in Brazil shared three stories with the audience to convey the China-Latin America friendship, warmth of cooperation, and media responsibility she witnessed in the region. 'When media professionals and think tank members of the Global South unite, we transmit not merely information, but the power of mutual empowerment; we create not just written accounts, but narratives of a shared destiny,' she said. José Reinaldo Carvalho, international editor of Brasil 247, stated that as media professionals, our responsibility is to debunk fake news, expose lies, reduce wars and conflicts, and oppose armed oppression, dictatorship, monopoly, and terrorism. During the forum, the GTI released the results of the mutual perception survey between China and Latin America, which notably fills a gap in understanding how Chinese people view Latin America. The survey was conducted from April to June this year in Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish across China and six Latin American and Caribbean countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Cuba, and Panama. Respondents were permanent residents aged 18 to 70, and demographic quota controls were applied in each country. As of June 2, a total of 5,472 valid responses were collected - more than 2,000 from China and over 3,300 from the six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The questionnaire mainly covered topics such as mutual impressions and perceptions, China-Latin America relations, future development and cooperation, and the concept of a China-Latin America community with a shared future. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
