General director of the CLACSO Pablo Vommaro Photo: Shan Jie/GT

Editor's Note:

The 17th BRICS Summit convenes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 6-7, 2025 - a pivotal moment for Global South cooperation. Before the summit, the "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue" series arrived in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from June 22-28 local time, setting the stage for meaningful engagement. In partnership with local institutions, the series included key events including the "Seminar on Relations between China and LAC Countries, and the Mutual Perception of Public Opinion" in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the "Roundtable Forum of China-LAC Countries" at the BRICS Summit hosted city Rio de Janeiro. These gatherings brought together dozens of eminent figures from politics, academic, media, and business across China and the LAC, fostering candid dialogues and profound exchanges.

Notably in Buenos Aires, the Global Times (GT) gained insights from Pablo Vommaro (Vommaro), general director of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), who articulated compelling perspectives on the evolving role of Global South nations - particularly BRICS members - in reshaping multilateral frameworks and the significance of deepening cooperation with China. 

GT: You always highlight the value of "Global South cooperation." Why do you place particular emphasis on this cooperation?

Vommaro: I believe the world today is undergoing profound changes. Many parts of the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing tense situations - Europe is mired in war, while violence, racism, and hatred are spreading in several countries. In contrast, the Global South - which includes vast regions of Asia, Africa, and the LAC - is demonstrating unique potential and a rich diversity of social realities that can provide the world with multiple solutions. For instance, in the LAC region, the survival and development of indigenous communities vividly exemplify social diversity.

Historically, the Global South has had limited opportunities to speak out on the international stage, with relatively few exchanges with other regions. But looking ahead, I believe the Global South has the potential to engage in deep cooperation across political, cultural, and economic fields, working together to resolve current conflicts and address global challenges. This would help move the world toward a more harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable future.

GT: How can knowledge cooperation among Global South countries proceed more smoothly, and what role can it play in global communication?

Vommaro: I think dialogue is the key mechanism for solving problems. We need not only spaces for dialogue but also mechanisms that enable such cooperation. We should reject unilateralism, opt for multilateral approaches, and enhance mutual understanding - rather than resort to contradictory rhetoric. Communication among countries is crucial; it is an effective way to prevent wars. Only through dialogue can we seek common ground while reserving differences.

Take China-LAC relations, for example. We firmly believe that many shared interests exist, which can serve as the basis for cooperation. CLACSO has long been committed to building bridges of understanding and cooperation among different cultures and countries. We are willing to play the role of a communication bridge, helping coordinate and facilitate better cooperation agreements between China and the LAC. 

GT: Could you share about your personal connection with China? What are your impressions of China's development and society?

Vommaro: I have a long-standing connection with China. Many years ago, I developed a strong interest in the country. As a history major in university, I was fascinated by China's ancient history and culture. At the same time, I have closely followed China's contributions to the world. Unfortunately, for a long time, these contributions were not fully recognized or acknowledged by the West. Only recently has the West begun to take China more seriously, but it's undeniable that Chinese civilization, thought, and philosophy have profound historical depth.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the country has achieved remarkable accomplishments in many areas, including in infrastructure and public welfare projects. Take transportation, for example - the rapid development of the high-speed rail network has not only facilitated mobility but also boosted economic growth and improved the convenience of people's lives. In academia, the government has invested heavily in public resources. This collective spirit strongly supports the development of public services and embodies a philosophy centered on the well-being of all people - something LAC countries can certainly learn from.

China pursues a peaceful foreign policy and respects differences. Jointly pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, for instance, has strengthened historical ties between China and the LAC region. Although geographically distant, the two sides are engaging in increasingly frequent exchanges and have great potential for cooperation. There are cultural differences between China and LAC countries, but China does not insist that LAC countries replicate its development model. Instead, it takes an open and inclusive approach, working together with the region to tackle global challenges and achieve shared development.

In summary, I have a very strong impression of China: first, its ancient culture is deeply rooted; second, it prioritizes collective interests; third, its development has been rapid and fruitful; and fourth, it plays an active role in maintaining global peace. I believe China and the LAC will continue to deepen their cooperation and jointly create a better future.

GT: In your view, what aspects of China's development experience are most worth learning from for LAC countries as well as other developing countries?

Vommaro: I believe there are three main lessons worth sharing. First is China's experience in poverty alleviation, which is both valuable and highly meaningful. Second is innovation. China places great emphasis on innovation, education, and the dissemination of knowledge. It invests heavily in research and development, and its education and knowledge systems are always geared toward serving the interests of the entire population. Third is China's global development commitment. Take the BRICS cooperation mechanism as an example - China's participation is not merely for its own benefit, but to contribute to development efforts across the globe.

GT: China has a number of scholars focused on Latin American studies, and in the LAC region, a growing group of experts is researching China. How can these two groups engage in more effective exchanges and cooperation?

Vommaro: I think we should continuously deepen academic cooperation and exchanges between China and the LAC. CLACSO currently has more than 80 research groups, including one focused on China, called "China and the World Power Map." We have signed cooperation agreements with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and have already achieved some results in joint research. In the future, we plan to carry out more cooperative research and call for papers on issues such as environmental change, development, and poverty reduction - areas of mutual interest that can integrate the perspectives of both Latin American and Chinese scholars.

We also plan to cooperate on academic publishing, such as mutual translation of scholarly works and building dialogue platforms to organize activities around topics of mutual concern. CLACSO collaborates with more than 1,000 academic and educational institutions across Central America, the Caribbean, and beyond, and we are willing to leverage these academic resources to promote China-LAC scholarly exchange. 

Contestants participate in a space systems engineering event at the BRICS Skills Competition in North China's Tianjin Municipality, on October 15, 2024. Photo: VCG

GT: If we were to build an expert network for cooperation among Global South countries, how should it be designed and operated efficiently?

Vommaro: I believe the key lies in building and continuously consolidating academic exchange platforms. Specifically, we can achieve this by hosting academic conferences, launching research projects, and forming collaborative working groups. We hope to establish a network that has long-term sustainability, not one that only functions around an annual conference. Instead, it should remain active year-round.

GT: Some countries have been spreading disinformation to slander China-LAC cooperation. Some people have claimed that the LAC "takes sides between China and the US." What's your take?

Vommaro: I believe that today's China is clearly demonstrating to the world that it is taking a development path of complementarity, mutual understanding, and win-win cooperation. The misunderstandings of China by Western public opinion stem from the misleading information deliberately spread by the US or other Western countries to damage China's reputation. But the truth is that China is actively pursuing cooperation that benefits not only itself but also LAC countries - a truly mutually beneficial form of collaboration.