Colombia joins Belt and Road for a more equitable global economy

Colombia's participation in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative on Wednesday marks another milestone in the deepening partnership between China and Latin America. Following fruitful outcomes at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum and the landmark Beijing Declaration, this development underscores the growing recognition that cooperation with China is a gateway to sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The Beijing Declaration, adopted by participating countries at the meeting on Tuesday, outlines concrete steps for collaboration in green development, digital transformation and poverty alleviation. By emphasizing open and inclusive cooperation, the declaration aligns with Latin America's quest for autonomous development paths, free from the conditionalities often attached to Western-led initiatives.

Colombia, long considered a traditional ally of the United States in Latin America, has made a decisive pivot toward China by joining the Belt and Road Initiative, a move that reflects broader geopolitical and economic recalibrations in the region.