Frontiers of friendship

Improving relations with Latin American countries has for long been an important aspect of China's foreign policy.

China issued its first Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean region earlier this month, further clarifying its goals and guiding principles for future cooperation with the region. It highlights China's aim to build a comprehensive and cooperative partnership based on equality, mutual benefit and common development with countries in that region.

This is precisely why President Hu Jintao's visit to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru is all the more important. His visit will play a significant role in improving ties with those countries. Hu will meet with the heads of state of the three countries, and sign bilateral agreements on trade, finance, technology, energy and education.