China highly values Sino-Latin America cooperation

BEIJING - Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the country's top think tank, called for deepened China-Latin America cooperative ties, in an annual report on Latin America released on Friday.

Although Latin America is not part of China's proposed Belt and Road Initiatives, their ties have been a good representation of the spirit of South-South cooperation, the CASS said.

By adhering to the theme of "inclusive development", ties between China and Latin America will accelerate both side's economic development and structural optimization, the report said.

A highly common interest for further growth has already prompted a leap-frog Sino-Latin America relationship, the report noted.

The CASS predicted that trade and investment will still be the major two pillars for Sino-Latin America partnership. But it also strongly suggested extending of various public diplomacy, such as the educational and think-tank exchanges. Communication at local government level should also be encouraged.

The report is released prior Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's official visit to Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Chile from May 18 to 26.