6th International (Virtual) Seminar: Latin America and the Carribean and China 29-31 May 2023

 

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1. Welcome words

We are very happy to welcome you to our Sixth International Seminar “Latin America and the Caribbean and China. Conditions and challenges in the 21st century" that will take place online from May 29 to 31, 2023. We will have 110 presentations on the four thematic axes of the Network, in addition to six keynote presentations. We decided to carry out the Online Seminar because of the difficulties of multiple colleagues and speakers who do not have financing options. As in previous activities, shortly after the Seminar all the events will be available on the Network portal.

The Red ALC-China itself and the multiple issues addressed have changed since the creation of the Network in 2012. The Network has achieved greater depth in multiple topics of the respective thematic axes and has consolidated itself as a reference institution on China issues and its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean; its almost 700 members and 25 member institutions reflect the interest in improving knowledge on these issues. We will continue to ask all members to continue improving the quality of the papers and publications, also through the respective selection processes. Likewise, for more than a decade the relationship between LAC and China has changed substantially. China’s global and
LAC presence is undeniable in any socioeconomic field and in all the countries of the region, even those with which China does not have diplomatic ties. The launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, as well as the growing number of Confucius Institutes in the region have also increased cooperation in every imaginable sphere between LAC and China. Both in LAC and in China, public, private and academic initiatives have been established, albeit with difficulties, for a reciprocal understanding; the growing educational and academic exchange between young people and the new generations of students is particularly significant.

Nor should we ignore the recent difficulties in the bilateral relationship. The confrontation between the United States and China since 2017 has left its mark on practically every area of their relationship, also with implications for LAC and its academic sector; the lack of long-term financing and the effects of COVID-19 will require a rebuilding of the bilateral relationship in the coming years.

All of the above invites us to support institutional efforts to improve knowledge about China and its relationship with LAC; the Red ALC-China participates actively in these long-term efforts and in order to improve their quality.

Thanks to all the attendees —students, professors, businesswomen, civil servants, NGOs and others— for their support and commitment to carry out the Sixth International Seminar.

Dr. Enrique Dussel Peters

General Coordinator
Red Académica de América Latina y el Caribe sobre China

Program May be accessed HERE.