The President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, spoke over the phone with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
During their telephone conversation, the heads of state reviewed the main achievements that have marked Chile-China bilateral relations over the last five decades. They highlighted the strengthening of economic cooperation within the context of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has made China Chile’s foremost trade partner. The two leaders also agreed to make headway with the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed the importance of continuing to have forward-looking bilateral relations with a spotlight on innovation and inclusive and sustainable development.
The presidents of Chile and China reiterated their commitment to a free and open multilateral trade system and both concurred on the need of playing an active role in the reform of the World Trade Organization. They expressed their interest in Chile’s rapprochement with the RCEP that currently represents one third of global trade. China, for its part, ratified its interest in adhering to the TPP-11.
President Piñera appreciated the commitment made by China with respect to achieving carbon neutrality and both leaders concurred on continuing to work constructively towards the creation of a new Antarctic Marine Protected Area referred to as Domain 1. President Piñera also reiterated his commitment to working together with his Chinese counterpart in the development of sources of clean energy and green hydrogen.
President Piñera appreciated the efforts made by China in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and thanked China for the help Chile has received in fighting and containing the pandemic. Both heads of state vowed to work closely together with special emphasis made on research and development and the distribution of vaccines.
Lastly, the Chinese head of state invited President Piñera to pay a visit to China and expressed that he will facilitate the opening of the new Consulate General of Chile in Chengdu.