The China-CELAC Forum began in Beijing on Tuesday, May 13, with Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting leaders from Latin American and Caribbean countries. Among them were Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The leaders greeted each other and took group photos before the meeting started. Xi delivered a speech at the forum, the first time since he addressed its launch 10 years ago. China’s trade with the region reached $427 billion between January and September 2024. Xi also announced a new credit line of nearly $10 billion, in Chinese yuan, to support development in the region. This move aims to strengthen ties and promote the use of China’s currency internationally.