On July 2, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Bolivia in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Hugo Siles, Bolivian Ambassador to China attended the reception and delivered remarks. The reception was attended by around 100 guests, including officials from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal Government, and the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as well as ambassadors from various countries and Bolivian nationals residing in China.
In his remarks, Vice President Shen Xin highlighted Bolivia as a significant progressive force in Latin America. Over the past four decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of two countries, political mutual trust between China and Bolivia has steadily deepened, practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and people-to-people and subnational exchanges have flourished. The bilateral strategic partnership continues to advance to new heights. The recently concluded Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing was a success. President Xi Jinping, with great foresight, proposed "Five Programs" for building a China-CELAC community with a shared future, offering strategic direction for the development of China-CELAC relations and injecting strong momentum into joint efforts. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bolivia and other Global South countries within multilateral frameworks, promote shared prosperity, deepen mutual learning among civilizations, safeguard global peace, and foster closer ties between peoples.
Ambassador Hugo Siles also addressed the gathering and read a congratulatory letter from Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa to the Chinese side on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The message from the Bolivian side emphasized that since July 9, 1985, the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries—grounded in equal dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding—have brought tangible benefits to two peoples. Bolivia, sharing similar development philosophies with China, has always regarded China as a strategic partner and brotherly nation. It remains committed to further strengthening solidarity with China and working tirelessly toward building a community with a shared future for mankind and a more prosperous world.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Miao Deyu expressed sincere appreciation to individuals from two countries who have long supported and contributed to the advancement of China-Bolivia relations. He remarked that the bilateral relationship has weathered the evolving global landscape and followed a remarkable path of development, becoming a model of genuine friendship, partnership, and brotherhood. In November of last year, President Xi Jinping and President Luis Arce held a productive meeting in Rio de Janeiro, which charted a new course for the future of bilateral ties. China is committed to carrying forward its traditional friendship with Bolivia, strengthening cooperative bonds, deepening cultural exchanges, and further elevating the strategic partnership to new heights.
The reception also featured a small photo exhibition showcasing Bolivian culture and traditions, along with an exhibit of entries from the "China and Bolivia are One Big Family" painting competition. Chinese artists performed classic songs from two countries, creating a warm, festive, and friendly atmosphere throughout the event.
