Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco recently embarked on his inaugural official visit to China, where he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The primary agenda of this meeting was to bolster political and economic relations between the two nations, amidst ongoing trade tensions that have been a source of concern for both sides. The dialogues concentrated on broadening exchanges across various sectors, including politics, economy, culture, and academia, with Mexico underscoring the principles of mutual respect, equal sovereignty, and non-interference.
During their discussions, Velasco and Wang Yi explored ways to enhance the political consultation mechanism between their foreign ministries, aiming to ensure regular and fruitful communication that could lead to tangible agreements. Mexico pinpointed several key areas ripe for cooperation, such as health, education, scholarships, science and technology, environmental protection, rural development, and cultural exchanges. These discussions are set against the backdrop of Mexico’s recent decision to impose higher tariffs, reaching up to 50%, on imports from countries without free-trade agreements, including China. While Beijing has expressed concerns over these measures, Mexico insists they are not targeted at any particular nation.
In addition to bilateral issues, Velasco emphasized the importance of collaboration between Mexico and China in multilateral settings like the G20 and APEC. He expressed appreciation for China’s upcoming role as the host of the APEC leaders’ summit in Shenzhen this November, indicating a shared commitment to working together on global platforms.
Cultural exchange was another key topic during the meeting. The two ministers discussed plans for a significant exhibition showcasing Mexican archaeological and artistic works at the Shanghai Museum, highlighting the cultural bridge between the two countries. As part of his itinerary, Velasco will also preside over the opening of Mexico’s consulate in Chongqing, further cementing diplomatic ties and facilitating deeper engagement between the two nations.