In a bid to enhance diplomatic and economic engagement, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Velasco has embarked on his inaugural official visit to China, where he held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting, set against a backdrop of existing trade tensions, aimed to explore avenues for deeper collaboration between Mexico and China across various domains, including politics, economy, culture, and academia. Velasco emphasized the importance of principles such as mutual respect, equal sovereignty, and non-interference in the bilateral relationship.
A key focus of the discussions was on bolstering the political consultation mechanism between the two countries’ foreign ministries, which is intended to facilitate continuous dialogue and the pursuit of concrete agreements. Mexico has outlined several areas of potential cooperation, such as health, education, scholarships, science, technology, environmental protection, rural development, and cultural exchanges, highlighting the diverse opportunities for partnership.
The context of Velasco’s visit is marked by Mexico’s recent imposition of higher tariffs on imports from nations without free-trade agreements, a move that includes China among others. These tariffs, which can reach as high as 50% in certain sectors, have drawn scrutiny from Beijing. However, Mexico insists that the measures are non-discriminatory and not targeted at any specific country.
Beyond bilateral matters, Velasco acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Mexico and China within international platforms like the G20 and APEC. He expressed support for China’s upcoming role as the host of the APEC leaders’ summit scheduled to take place in Shenzhen in November. This aspect of cooperation further underscores the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two countries.
Additionally, cultural exchanges were a topic of discussion, with plans underway for a significant exhibition of Mexican archaeological and artistic works at the Shanghai Museum. Velasco’s itinerary in China also includes the opening of a new Mexican consulate in Chongqing, reflecting Mexico’s strategic interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in the region.