The Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States is called China-CELAC Forum for short (Foro China- CELAC in Spanish). Entering into the new century, China-LAC (Latin American and Caribbean countries) relations have developed rapidly, with mutually beneficial cooperation and the integration of interests continuously deepening. The two sides regard each other as important cooperation partners and important opportunities to promote self-development. While promoting bilateral cooperation, it has also become a consensus of the two sides to realize new development of China-Latin America relations through overall cooperation. In December, 2011, the "Community of Latin American and Caribbean States", which included all the 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbeans, was established, providing an important step for the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum. On July 17, 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the meeting of China-CELAC leaders in Brasilia.The meeting adopted the "Joint Statement of China-CELAC Leaders in Brasilia", which formally declared the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum and made the decision to have the first ministerial meeting in Beijing as soon as possible. From January 8 to 9, 2015, the First Ministerial Meeting of China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing, which marked the formal inauguration of the Forum.
The Forum aims at promoting the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between China and Latin America featuring equality, mutual benefit, and common development.The Forum includes China and 33 countries of CELAC, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
China-CLEAC Forum is a major platform to promote overall cooperation between China and Latin America. The Chinese side will look for opportunities to engage in dialogue and cooperation with existing Latin American and Caribbean organizations and institutions within the framework of the China-CLEAC Forum, and build a comprehensive and balanced cooperation network with Latin America.
The logo of the Forum is a variation of the English acronym "CCF". It is also like two shaking hands, symbolizing smooth cooperation. It can also be interpreted as two circling doves, which means peace and the rise of peace. The logo also conforms to the geographical positions of China and Latin America. The colors are the picks of the national flags of China and other member states, making it easy to accept and recognize.
