Thirtieth Anniversary of China-Bolivia Diplomatic Relations: A Broader Diplomatic Agenda

SINCE China and Bolivia established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, bilateral relations have developed smoothly. Leaders of both countries have maintained frequent contacts, and mutual trust steadily grows.

The President of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales Ayma, has visited China on five occasions: the first was in 2006 before he took up office, when he held talks with then Chinese President, Hu Jintao. The two heads of state met again in 2009 in parallel to the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. President Evo Morales then came to China in August 2011 and again in December 2013 for the launching ceremony of the satellite Tupac Katari. In addition, Mr. Morales met with the current Chinese President, Xi Jinping, during the BRICS summit in 2014.

Bolivia recognizes that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory. This is expressed in the Statement on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations signed in New York in 1985, wherein the Chinese government expresses solidarity with the Bolivian position as regards resolving the issue of its access to the Pacific Ocean.

The two governments have agreed to develop friendly, cooperative relations based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and integrity. In order to deepen friendly relations and economic and technical cooperation, Bolivia invited a Chinese economic commission to visit the country. The mission was led by Mr. Liu Helin, who visited Bolivia between December 4, 1985 and January 7, 1986. A cooperation agreement was duly signed.

The first meeting of the China-Bolivia Joint Economic and Trade Commission — established in accordance with the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, signed in 1986 — took place in La Paz in November 7-9, 1988.

The Bolivian delegation was led by Mr. Pedro Martinez Martinez, Sub-secretary for Bilateral Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Chinese government delegation was headed by Mr. Yan Yiwu, Deputy Director of Assistance Abroad Department of Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations.

Both countries have held 12 China-Bolivia Economic and Trade Mixed Commission meetings, the most recent in Beijing from May 4-5, 2015, which finalized some important agreements.

Negotiations have always taken place in an atmosphere of amity and mutual understanding. Both sides remember well the achievements of their economic and trade cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They also perceive concrete possibilities of strengthening it.

Bolivia and China have maintained constant exchanges of official and technical missions in several areas of cooperation. Both sides have also expanded bilateral cooperation in new areas, evident in China’s launch in 2013 of Bolivia’s first telecommunications satellite.

At least 10 Chinese companies are running big public transport, oil, telecommunications, infrastructure, and production projects in Bolivia, with a total investment in excess of US $1 billion.

These projects include the sugar refinery in San Buenaventura, a lithium pilot plant, the Bulo Bulo-Montero Railway, the Trinidad-San Ignacio de Moxos Highway, and the imminent construction of the Mutun steel complex and Rurrenabaque-Santa Rosa-Australia-El Choro-Riberalta Highway. Other operational projects are in the sectors of hydrocarbons and clean energy.

Bolivia is a country of abundant natural resources; it also has an important and strategic location at the heart of South America. Moreover, Bolivia is always willing to work with China towards a comprehensive and mutual cooperation that will benefit the people, institutions and businessmen from both countries.

On this 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two countries should reinvigorate their sincere and friendly political ties. That is why Bolivia is willing to maintain high-level contacts with China, expand dialogues and exchanges between the governments, political parties and legislatures of both countries, and offer support and mutual understanding on important issues, particularly those related to Mother Earth, climate change, and food supply.

Both countries should promote a pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation in a comprehensive way, and promote technological innovation, infrastructure development, and science and technology transfers. All should be used to their full potential through innovating interdependence modes, expanding areas of cooperation, and improving degrees of assistance.

Currently, cultural and people-to-people exchanges — in areas such as education, healthcare, public health, sports and tourism — are clearly expanding and are beneficial to both countries.

Bolivia and China are allies in multilateral affairs — cooperation, consultation, and coordination with regional and international organizations have been necessary — as well as such global issues as food security, climate change, and sustainable development.

Our President, Evo Morales, has frequently thanked China for its active and long-term contribution to Bolivia’s social and economic development. Mr. Morales also gives priority to the country’s relations with China, and aims to strengthen political ties, upgrade cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, infrastructure, culture, science and technology, and maintain cooperation on regional and international issues.

Bolivia is currently amid a process of change under the leadership of President Morales. The Bolivian people have achieved considerable progress in exploring a development path suited to their multi-ethnic conditions, one that respects diversity.

The Earth has enough resources to satisfy human needs. However, it cannot withstand an evil greed that does not help life to progress. Traditional cultures, such as that of Bolivia, do not consider themselves superior. We are all equal, so we declare that permanent and lasting peace is the only way to live well and in harmony with others.

We must have faith in our countries, our leaders, and our promising future. Now, on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we wish Bolivian and Chinese people peace, happiness and prosperity. We hope that Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Tata Inti (Father Sun) will give us good fortune.

Through growing exchanges, China and Bolivia are broadening the range of their historic cooperation and genuine brotherhood. The future for the two countries looks bright.

Both peoples have an ancient culture. We celebrate the Aymara New Year, are composed of 36 ethnic groups, and enjoy cultural and linguistic diversity. China also has an ancient culture, 56 ethnic groups, and many dialects. Both cultures are patient, and patience is the key to success. Bolivia and China promote people’s diplomacy.

Cooperation is the best proof of the progress of civilization. Bolivia and China have demonstrated their great civilizations. Both countries need to work together to achieve common goals, in particular, that of living in harmony with Mother Earth.

Congratulations to Bolivia and China!