On September 10, 2023, the inaugural China-Latin America Human Rights Roundtable took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, co-hosted by the Chinese Human Rights Research Association, Renmin University of China, and the Federal University of Fluminense, Brazil. During the event, we had the opportunity to speak with Professor Xiao Junyong, Executive Director of the Technology and Human Rights Research Center at the Beijing Institute of Technology’s Law School. He emphasized that technology is a major driving force for productivity, with the well-being of the people being the most crucial human right. According to him, China and Latin American countries, both developing economies, are enhancing human rights through technological cooperation, which ultimately benefits their populations and contributes to the creation of a shared future for humanity.
**Interviewer (Cui Bailu):** Can you share your thoughts on the current state of technological cooperation between China and Latin America?
**Xiao Junyong:** In the last decade, China and Latin America have made significant progress in cooperation. The leaders’ meeting in Brasília in 2014 marked a turning point in our bilateral relations, with the initiative to build a community of shared destiny. Since then, we’ve seen collaborative efforts across multiple sectors including infrastructure, tech innovation, agriculture, business, talent exchange, and research institutes, leading to a new era defined by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and inclusiveness.
Recently, technological cooperation has accelerated in several key areas:
1. **Digital Technologies and Communication:** Latin America has an underdeveloped digital infrastructure, while China possesses substantial expertise. Through the “Digital Silk Road” initiative, Chinese telecom companies are actively engaged in constructing 5G networks across the region, boosting the digital economy and improving life quality through remote education, e-commerce, and telemedicine.
2. **Agricultural Technology and Food Security:** Latin America, a major global agricultural exporter, has benefited from China’s advanced agricultural technologies. This partnership not only allows for the importation of quality products but also enhances local agricultural efficiency and food safety, effectively optimizing the global agricultural supply chain.
3. **Satellite Technology and Space Cooperation:** Collaborative satellite initiatives help Latin American countries tackle problems like deforestation, natural disasters, and climate change. Satellite data is critical for monitoring agriculture and urban planning, supporting sustainable development.
4. **Biomedicine:** Joint efforts in drug research, disease prevention, and biotechnology have resulted in the creation of new medical technologies, setting a precedent for global healthcare collaboration.
5. **Research Exchange and Cooperation Platforms:** The China-Latin America and Caribbean Technology Transfer Center, launched in 2023, fosters technological collaborations where researchers can apply for funding and engage in joint studies, complemented by regular forums that enhance trust and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** What advantages do both China and Latin America bring to their technological collaborations?
**Xiao Junyong:** China brings extensive experience in research and technology application, while Latin America has distinct strengths in resource development and biodiversity. This complementary advantage creates significant collaboration opportunities as Latin America pursues greater technological advancement.
For instance, when it comes to resources, countries like Chile and Peru, major copper producers, align well with China’s substantial market needs. Technological cooperation enables local firms to optimize resource extraction, maximizing value and enhancing industry technology.
Additionally, China excels in areas such as artificial intelligence and big data, while Latin American nations lead in biodiversity conservation and renewable energy.
Supportive policies from both sides are essential as well. China regards Latin America as a vital partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, encouraging collaboration through various agreements, while Latin American countries are working to create favorable conditions for Chinese investments.
Finally, nurturing talent is crucial. By participating in joint research and training programs, both regions can cultivate a skilled workforce that understands each other’s contexts, thus facilitating deeper cooperation.
**Interviewer:** What challenges does China-Latin America technological cooperation face today?
**Xiao Junyong:** One major challenge is the lagging infrastructure in Latin America, particularly in rural and remote areas, which hampers digital development and collaboration.
Additionally, the political and economic volatility in Latin America presents challenges. Frequent government changes can create uncertainty for long-term initiatives, while economic fluctuations might result in funding shortfalls and inadequate fiscal support during downturns or periods of high inflation.
Furthermore, international competition and geopolitical tensions complicate cooperation, along with cultural differences and language barriers.
To address these challenges, both sides need to improve policy communication, promote cultural and technological exchanges, and develop diverse funding mechanisms to ensure project success. As cooperation deepens, these issues may lessen, paving the way for sustained collaboration.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how can China and Latin America build deeper partnerships to promote technological advancement and human rights development?
**Xiao Junyong:** There is substantial potential for increased collaboration in technological innovation between China and Latin America.
First, enhancing research partnerships is crucial. Both regions should stimulate the exchange of researchers and students, fostering scientific dialogue beyond governmental levels.
Second, we need to co-establish the “Digital Silk Road.” With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, Latin America holds great market potential due to its youthful population and rich renewable resources. The China-Latin America Digital Technology Cooperation Forum in September 2023 signifies a promising new chapter in this collaboration.
Third, working on green technologies and sustainable development is essential. Given the rising global concerns about climate change, both regions can leverage their strengths—Latin America’s abundant renewable resources and China’s technological prowess—in areas like climate finance and sustainable agriculture.
Fourth, low-altitude economic cooperation, which includes the use of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications, presents significant potential, as both regions have complementary needs and advancements.
Lastly, boosting educational collaboration is vital for talent development. The shortage of skilled labor challenges Chinese enterprises in Latin America, so strengthening higher education partnerships and promoting youth exchanges would help create a workforce knowledgeable about each other’s contexts. We hope to see more vocational institutions in China form partnerships tailored to local needs, akin to the “Luban Workshop” model, to enhance talent training efforts.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Xiao.
**Xiao Junyong:** Thank you for having me.
