During his first visit to Brazil as China’s president, Xi Jinping delivered a memorable speech to the Brazilian National Congress, quoting a Brazilian proverb, “Condition of good friends, condition of old wine,” to emphasize the long-standing friendship between the people of China and Latin America. This visit was a key moment in Xi’s efforts to deepen ties between China and Latin America, with a special focus on cultural and people-to-people exchanges. His remarks highlighted not only the growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two regions but also the importance of shared cultural understanding.
Xi’s approach to diplomacy has long emphasized the role of people-to-people connections in fostering better relations. In his 2014 speech, he told stories of cultural exchanges between China and Brazil, referencing the widespread influence of Brazilian culture in China, including the popularity of the TV series Escrava Isaura in the 1980s. Xi also quoted Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, illustrating his deep appreciation and knowledge of Brazilian culture. Fausto Pinato, the president of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front, recalled feeling immense pride when he heard Xi’s speech, noting that it was not only about politics and trade but also about an authentic appreciation for Brazilian culture. Xi’s engagement with Latin American culture was evident, showing that cultural diplomacy was as important to him as political or economic cooperation.
People-to-people exchanges have been a cornerstone of Xi’s foreign policy, and this is especially true in his relations with Latin America. As early as 1996, when Xi was a local official in China, he was involved in establishing sister-city relationships between China and Brazil. On his first visit to Brazil, Xi forged a partnership between Fujian Province and Ceara, a state in northeastern Brazil. This initial engagement marked the beginning of an ongoing effort to build cultural and economic bridges between China and Latin America.
Today, China’s influence in Latin America is demonstrated not just through trade but also through deep cultural ties. China has established around 180 sister-city relationships with 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. These partnerships create opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges, and in some cases, these cities have even been dubbed “BRICS Twin Cities” because both have hosted BRICS summits. A prime example of this is Fortaleza, which established a sister-city relationship with Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, in 2022. Both cities have played important roles in BRICS cooperation, further strengthening their cultural and diplomatic bonds.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has made great strides in creating diverse platforms for cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These include programs like the China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year and the Latin American and Caribbean Art Season, as well as the China-Latin American Young Leaders Training Campus. These initiatives aim to deepen mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of China and Latin America. In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year in Peru in 2016, Xi described how the rich cultures of both regions “bloom like splendid flowers” in each other’s lands. His words underscored the potential for mutual learning and cultural exchange to drive deeper connections between these two great civilizations.
In recent years, these exchanges have grown more vibrant, fueled by initiatives that encourage youth leadership, academic collaboration, and artistic exploration. The Bridge of the Future project, for example, is designed to bring together young leaders from both regions to exchange ideas and experiences, building long-term relationships that transcend political and economic ties.
Xi Jinping’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy, particularly in the context of China’s relations with Latin America, reflects a broader strategy to promote understanding, goodwill, and cooperation across the world. Through people-to-people exchanges, China is not only fostering stronger diplomatic ties but also nurturing a sense of shared humanity, where both Chinese and Latin American cultures can thrive together in an increasingly interconnected world. As Xi continues to champion these exchanges, they stand as a testament to the importance of cultural diplomacy in shaping a more harmonious global community.
