In a bid to fortify political and economic connections, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Roberto Velasco, has embarked on his inaugural official visit to China, where he engaged in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting, held in Beijing, underscored the importance of enhancing ties between the two nations, especially against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions. Central to their discussions was the expansion of political, economic, cultural, and academic exchanges, with Mexico emphasizing the principles of mutual respect, equal sovereignty, and non-interference.
A key topic on the agenda was the strengthening of the political consultation mechanism between the two countries’ foreign ministries. This initiative aims to ensure regular communication and lay the groundwork for concrete agreements. Mexico has identified several fields for potential collaboration, including health, education, scholarships, science, technology, environmental protection, rural development, and cultural exchanges, highlighting the broad scope of the partnership sought.
The backdrop of trade tensions remains a significant element in these talks. Earlier this year, Mexico imposed higher tariffs on imports from countries lacking free-trade agreements, among which China is included. These duties, some reaching up to 50%, cover multiple sectors. While Beijing has expressed concerns over these measures, Mexico insists they are not targeted at any specific nation.
Additionally, Velasco highlighted the importance of cooperation between Mexico and China in multilateral forums such as the G20 and APEC. He expressed appreciation for China’s role as the host of the upcoming APEC leaders’ summit in Shenzhen this November, underscoring the collaborative opportunities these platforms present.
Cultural exchanges were also a focal point of the discussions, with plans for a significant exhibition of Mexican archaeological and artistic works at the Shanghai Museum. Moreover, Velasco’s itinerary includes the inauguration of a new Mexican consulate in Chongqing, marking another step towards deepening bilateral relations.