China to Provide More Scholarships for Students from LatAm, Caribbean

The First Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Beijing on Jan 8.

More LatAm students will come to study in China as the Chinese government will provide 6,000 scholarships to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in the next five years, according to the latest cooperation plan issued by the first ministerial forum between the two sides on Jan 16.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the forum in Beijing that 6,000 people will get educational training in China, and 400 more will be able to study as on-the-job graduates. Moreover, a 10-year program called "the bridge of future" will be carried out this year, to provide educational training for thousands of CELAC young leaders.

"Education is an important part of building a strong long-term relationship," said Evan Ellis, research professor of Latin American studies at the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute,(Shandong University) "It helps forge relationships of confidence and trust with the future business and political leaders and other key actors in the region."

The move aims to boost exchanges in education, promoting more cooperation between China and Latin America beyond the areas of just trade and finance.

Qingdao University.