China, Argentina explore paths to modernization at Buenos Aires symposium

A symposium on China and Argentina joining hands to explore paths to modernization was held Thursday at the University of Buenos Aires, bringing together over 60 experts, scholars, and government officials from both countries and various international organizations.

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, delivers a speech at a symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 3, 2025. [Photo/CCIG]

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), delivered a speech at the event. He outlined China's modernization model as people-centered, self-reliant, and committed to peaceful development. He also emphasized that China's approach to modernization aligns with global sustainability goals and contributes to shared global prosperity.

Yu noted the pivotal role of youth in modernization, calling for stronger China-Argentina collaboration in joint research, talent development, and institutional platforms.

Panelists engage in discussions at a symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 3, 2025. [Photo/CCIG]

Participants at the symposium agreed the Chinese path to modernization offers valuable lessons for Latin America. They also advocated leveraging platforms like the Belt and Road and "BRICS Plus" to boost governance exchanges and expand collaboration in academic publishing. 

A report on the practice and prospects of China and Argentina jointly exploring paths to modernization— seen as a new model for South-South cooperation— was released at the event. Co-published by ACCWS and the University of Buenos Aires' School of Social Sciences, it underscores the importance of academic collaboration in strengthening bilateral ties and building a China-Argentina community with a shared future.

An accompanying book exhibition featured multilingual editions of works by Chinese leaders and the "Keywords to Understand China" series, with CICG donating a selection of titles to its Argentine partners.

The symposium was guided by CICG and the Undersecretariat of International and Interjurisdictional Relations of the Province of Buenos Aires.