On Nov 17-23, Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile. During the tour, he is scheduled to attend the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima. It's Xi's first visit after the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee and his third visit to Latin America (LatAm) since he took office in 2013. His ongoing tour is of great significance. Xi's LatAm trip aims to enhance friendship and deepen cooperation. The three countries covered in this trip serve as important representatives in this region, have long-standing and deep friendship and a sound foundation of cooperation with Beijing.

The trip will consolidate traditional and friendly relations between China and the three countries, enhance the level of bilateral political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, along with pushing forward the China-LatAm all-round partnership to grow deeper and write a new chapter for "China-LaAm times".

Xi's attendance at the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be the highlight of the trip. He will attend a series of activities and elaborate on Beijing's Proposal to promote common prosperity and deepen regional cooperation, injecting Beijing's power into Asia-Pacific and global economic development.

President Xi's visit is expected to build a community of shared destiny between China and LatAm and expand Asia-Pacific pragmatic cooperation. The tour would open up new prospects for China, LatAm & Asia-Pacific cooperation.

The author is a researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting.